North American Prairie Conference

Field Trip Information Summary


Wednesday, August 6, 2008



Houston Nature Center (HNC)
Brief description of site and highlights of site (habitat, flora, fauna):  Landscape, Levee & Wetland
 Plantings
  • Landscape plantings around HNC are short-grass prairie, some planted into
pure washed sand with compost & inoculant;
  • Levee is mesic tall grass prairie,
but different species dominate on north and south slopes although planted
with same mix, and has Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows nesting in boxes.
  • Wetland area has issues with reed canary, crown vetch, and cattails, but
wood ducks, coots, and marsh wrens are potential birds.
Walking distance, rigor, potential hazards:
  • Round trip walking distance from bus: 0.75 miles
  • Rigor of field trip: easy to mildly moderate
  • Potential hazards at site: moderately steep walk down the side of the levee (uneven surface); could have some deer ticks, but not in high numbers.
Area of site (approximate acreage): Twenty-five acres
Duration of field trip: Half day
Access for charter bus loading/unloading/parking: Parking lot at nature center
Availability of drinking water, rest rooms, shade: Nature center has drinking fountains, ample restrooms, picnic shelter, and bandshell

General location (direction/distance from nearest town): North side of
Houston, plus 1.5 miles N of town

Distance from Winona, MN: 27 miles (40 minutes)

Potential leader(s)/guide(s): Karla Kinstler