Grasses, flowers and other plants support the food web of prairies. Butterflies thrive on flower nectar and may use just one plant species to host their caterpillars. Bees pollinate the flowers. Ground-nesting birds hide their nests among the . . . — — Map (db m71781)
What Makes a Prairie
Grasslands thrive where dry soil and frequent drought or fires limit or exclude trees and shrubs. The soils and climate in each of North America’s grasslands support a unique mix of native grasses, flowers, and other . . . — — Map (db m71780)
Early Encounters, Early Hypotheses
The Mima Mounds intrigues travelers and explorers in the 1800s as described in their journal entries.
MAY 20, 1841
Charles Wilkes, commander of the United States Exploring Expedition from . . . — — Map (db m71769) HM
More than 30 explanation have been proposed for the origin of the Mima Mounds, but none has been proven.
Were the Mounds Created by Glacial Ice?
In 1913 glacial geologist J Harlan Bretz completed the first detailed study of the Mima . . . — — Map (db m71779)
The Mima Mounds were formed some time after ice age glaciers began receding 16,500 years ago. Their origin has puzzled scientists and curious visitors since the mid-1800s. Research has revealed what we know so far about the glacial history of this . . . — — Map (db m71778)
