Come join us for a Prairies and Potholes course in the Prairie Potholes region along the Glacial Ridge. In this weeklong course we will explore the unique features of our region. Our goal is to better understand how this landscape was formed and discover more about the plants, animals and humans that call this biome their home now and in the past.
You will experience a mixture of classroom work but mostly expect outdoor adventures this week. Plans for the week include a paddle to explore the Middle Fork of the Crow River in a voyageur canoe, a chance to kayak, (or wade) into wetlands to collect macroinvertebrates for observation, a trip to view the expanse of the Ordway Prairie, including visiting a fen, walking on an esker with team members working to keep the prairie healthy, and a visit Sibley State Park.
During the week, each participant will complete a group capstone project connecting you to volunteer opportunities at PWELC and other organizations. On Wednesday evening we will share a meal together to allow for more time for teams to work together.
Audience
Potential and current Master Naturalist volunteers.
Cost
$295. Includes manuals and supplies.
If you would like to receive a scholarship do not register now. Instead, complete this scholarship form and wait to be contacted before enrolling.
Registration
Cancelation requests received more than two weeks before the start of class are refunded minus a $20 processing fee. Cancelation requests received less than two weeks before the start of class are refunded minus $50.
Accommodations
University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities, reach out to the event contact two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this course material is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to Julie Larson, [email protected], at least two weeks in advance of the course start date.
Language
This offering is delivered in English. Interpreter services may be available with an advance request.
About the Prairies and Potholes course
The official name for the ecological province called the Prairies and Potholes by the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program is the Prairie Parkland Province. This biome was historically composed mainly of tallgrass prairie. Today it is used for agricultural purposes. The glaciers deposited between 100 and 600 feet of drift over the entire region. The Prairies and Potholes biome covers just over 16 million acres on the western edge of the state.
The biome is a hot and dry place, where evapotranspiration is annually higher than precipitation. In the northern portions of the biome, glacial kettles have filled with water and form the "potholes" that dot the landscape. These bodies of water are important for migratory waterfowl, and waterfowl production. The Minnesota River now flows through the old channel carved by Glacial River Warren, an outlet for Glacial Lake Agassiz.
Participants must complete the full 40 hours of training to become a certified Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer.
Each participant must complete a group capstone project. Participants will choose a capstone that they can complete before finishing the course.
Learn more about Master Naturalist volunteer training
