Wild River State Park near Almelund in Chisago County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Restored Prairies
In the 19th century, this part of Minnesota was covered by a mix of hardwood forests and open savannas. (A savanna is a grassland with scattered trees — often oaks.) When settler-colonists moved in, they turned most of the savannas into farm fields.
Since the 1980s, park staff have worked to restore Wild River's grasslands. Each fall, naturalists and volunteers collect seeds from remnant prairies and plant them in areas that need restoration.
In this way, hundreds of acres of old farm fields have been restored with native plant communities. As restored prairies, these areas support much greater biodiversity than they could as cropland.
A Constant Battle
For thousands of years, prairie and forest have been engaged in a relentless struggle driven by climate cycles. During dry periods with frequent fires, upland areas in the park opened into oak savannas. When the climate turned wetter, forests reclaimed the land.
Fire has always been the grassland's most important weapon in keeping woody plants from taking over. In the absence of regular fires—and without large grazers like bison and elk—remnant prairies need help to survive. That help comes in the form of prescribed burns.
Erected by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 45° 31.113′ N, 92° 44.058′ W. Marker is near Almelund, Minnesota, in Chisago County. It is in Wild River State Park. The marker is on the rear deck of the Wild River State Park Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 39797 Park Trail, Taylors Falls MN 55084, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Conifer Forests (here, next to this marker); A Conservation Legacy (a few steps from this marker); The St. Croix River (a few steps from this marker); Looking For A Better Life (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wild River State Park (about 400 feet away); Military Road (about 400 feet away); Who Was Here First? (approx. 0.4 miles away); What Was It Like (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Almelund.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 55 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 9, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.