North American Prairie Conference

Field Trip Information Summary


Wednesday, August 6, 2008



Mound Prairie Scientific and Natural Area
Brief description of site and highlights of site (habitat, flora, fauna):
  • Mound Prairie SNA contains three southwest-facing bluff
prairies separated by oak forest and rocky ravines of ancient stream
beds.
  • The bluff prairies support a highly diverse native plant community
that includes such rare species as white wild indigo, goat's rue,
jewelled shooting star, Ohio spiderwort, and the narrow-leaved milkweed
  • This site also has prairie voles, which are typically found in NW
Minnesota. Spectacular views from this outstanding prairie SNA make the
upward climb well worthwhile.
Walking distance, rigor, potential hazards:
  • Round trip walking distance from bus: 2 miles
  • Rigor of field trip:
 rigorous because it is a steep bluff prairie
  • Potential hazards at site: steep terrain, poison ivy, ticks,
rattlesnakes

Area of site (approximate acreage): 257 acres
Duration of field trip: Half day
Access for charter bus loading/unloading/parking:  Possibly at golf course,  across the street
Availability of drinking water, rest rooms, shade: Tour bus rest room only
General location (direction/distance from nearest town): Site is between the towns of Houston (which is west) and Hokah (which is east)


Distance from Winona, MN: 40 miles southwest
Potential leader(s)/guide(s): Jaime Edwards