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North American Prairie Conference
Field Trip Information Summary
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
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Weaver Dunes Scientific and Natural Area |
| Brief
description of site and highlights of site (habitat, flora, fauna): |
- Weaver Dunes is
part of a larger sand terrace 10 miles long and 3 miles wide and as high
as 65 feet about the Mississippi River to the east.
- The remaining
prairie is home to the largest population of Blanding's turtle, home to
the endangered Rough-seeded fameflower and 13 other threatened or special
concern plant species.
- Weaver Dunes and
neighboring McCarthy Lake Wildlife Management Area and the Upper
Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge are critical habitat for
grassland nesting birds, snakes and amphibians.
- The Nature
Conservancy and conservation partners are actively managing and restoring
prairie in the landscape with prescribed fire, tree and brush removal and
invasive weed management
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| Walking distance, rigor, potential hazards: |
- Round trip
walking distance from bus: 2.5 miles
- Rigor of field
trip: moderate
- Potential
hazards at site: It can be hot, poison ivy, sand burs
|
| Area
of site (approximate acreage): |
600
acres |
|
Duration of field trip: |
Three
hours |
| Access
for charter bus loading/unloading/parking: |
Yes |
|
Availability of drinking water, rest rooms, shade: |
No
Water, porta pot and shade |
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General location (direction/distance from nearest town):
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Six
miles south of Kellogg, MN on County Road 84 |
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Distance from Winona, MN: |
Twenty-five miles |
|
Potential leader(s)/guide(s): |
Rich
Biske, The Nature Conservancy |