Prairie Enthusiasm Ignites in the Twin Cities
Story by Kysh Lindell, The Prairie Enthusiasts AmeriCorps Member
The Prairie Enthusiasts is thrilled to announce the formation of a new chapter! The Minnesota Oak Savanna Chapter will be serving Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne and Wright Counties.
Though a third of Minnesota was once prairie, less than 2% of Minnesota’s native grassland habitats remain. The Minnesota Oak Savanna Chapter is so named because of the historic abundance of oak savanna ecosystems in what today comprises the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. These open grassland habitats are comprised of scattered oak trees and an understory of sun-loving prairie plants, both of which support fascinating native wildlife like the state-endangered Henslow’s sparrow and federally-endangered rusty patched bumblebee. Though agriculture and urban development have largely replaced these essential native ecosystems, a few remnants—extraordinarily rare sites that have been largely undisturbed and retain most of their original plant communities—have persevered.
Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) by Alex Carroll, Minnesota Oak Savanna Chapter Contact.
Inspired by an outpouring of interest in caring for native ecosystems, the Chapter is invested in providing hands-on education, training and volunteer opportunities for everyone in the local community, regardless of experience level. Attendees at local education events and work parties can expect to learn what makes prairie so unique, how to identify and control invasive plant species, how to enhance habitat for pollinators and how to conduct prescribed burns. Along with these tangible skills, the Chapter strives to inspire hope. “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,” says Minnesota Oak Savanna Chapter Board Representative Greg Heberlein.
Beyond the proven environmental benefits of stewarding native ecosystems—from providing critical habitat for threatened wildlife and enhancing soil health to combating carbon emissions and improving water quality—Minnesotans stand to gain a priceless connection to the natural communities in their own backyards. “I grew up in Minnesota, and I lived there for 40 years without really knowing what a prairie was until a few years ago,” says Debra Behrens, Executive Director of The Prairie Enthusiasts. “Thinking of young people learning about the land around them and being inspired to care for that land… it’s truly a wellspring of hope.”
Please join us in welcoming our new Chapter and stay tuned for upcoming events! For more information, contact Info@ThePrairieEnthusiasts.org or click here to sign up for Chapter emails.
This article appeared in the Spring 2025 edition of The Prairie Promoter, a publication of news, art and writing from The Prairie Enthusiasts community. Explore the full collection and learn how to submit your work here.