Prairie Enthusiasm Ignites in the Twin Cities
Written by Kysh Lindell
June 19, 2025
MINNEAPOLIS & SAINT PAUL—The Prairie Enthusiasts is thrilled to announce the formation of a new chapter of grassroots volunteers in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area: the Minnesota Oak Savanna Chapter. The new chapter serves Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, and Wright Counties.
The public is invited to the launch celebration on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm at the Richardson Nature Center in the Hyland Lake Park Reserve, 8737 E. Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, Minnesota. This drop-in event will feature presentations about The Prairie Enthusiasts and the new Minnesota Oak Savanna Chapter, prairie walks, engaging activities and games, and refreshments. The short film Landscape Stories, Helen Allison Savanna will be on view. Guests are requested to RSVP at ThePrairieEnthusiasts.org/Minnesota-Oak-Savanna.
The new metro area Chapter joins 12 other chapters across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. The Prairie Enthusiasts advocates for native habitats to ensure the perpetuation and recovery of prairie, oak savanna and other fire-dependent ecosystems through hands-on land protection, management, restoration and education.
The Minnesota Oak Savanna Chapter’s name reflects the historic abundance of oak savanna ecosystems that once existed in what is now the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. One-third of Minnesota was once prairie, but less than 2% of native grassland habitat remains. These open grassland habitats, composed of scattered oak trees and an understory of sun-loving prairie plants, support fascinating native wildlife like the state-endangered Henslow’s sparrow and federally endangered rusty patched bumblebee.
Saint Paul resident Greg Heberlein, Minnesota Oak Savanna Chapter Board Representative, remarks, “In the face of climate change, it’s easy for people to feel discouraged, dispirited, and powerless. We believe that creating community, exploring the wonders of our native places, and joining together in skillful work to protect and restore such places is uplifting, hope-inducing, and rewarding.”
Inspired by an outpouring of interest in caring for native ecosystems, the Chapter will provide hands-on education, training, and volunteer opportunities for everyone in the local community, regardless of experience level. Attendees at Chapter education events and work parties can expect to learn what makes prairies so unique and how to identify and control invasive plant species. They will collect seeds and enhance habitat for pollinators and learn to conduct prescribed burns. Along with these tangible skills, participants will gain a priceless connection to the natural communities in their own backyards.
To learn more about the Minnesota Oak Savanna Chapter including local events, volunteer opportunities, and activities, and to RSVP for the launch celebration by Friday, August 8, 2025, visit ThePrairieEnthusiasts.org/Minnesota-Oak-Savanna.
About The Prairie Enthusiasts
The Prairie Enthusiasts is an accredited land trust that seeks to ensure the perpetuation and recovery of prairie, oak savanna, and other fire-dependent ecosystems of the Upper Midwest through protection, management, restoration, and education. In doing so, they strive to work openly and cooperatively with private landowners and other private and public conservation groups. Their management and stewardship centers on high-quality remnants, which contain nearly all the components of endangered prairie communities.
Primary Contact: Sarah Barron, Advancement Manager
608-676-7806
SBarron@ThePrairieEnthusiasts.org
Secondary Contact: Debra Behrens, Executive Director
608-676-0985