Fix fences for cows
Back for another round of fixing and replacing the fence that the water washed away.
Walking the land
I try to get out and walk the whole property a few times per year. This walk was different because we had near historic flooding just a few weeks ago. Our prairie became a temporary river. From May 15 through the end of June we had 30 inches of rain.
First Annual Family Field Day
Wow.
Really, I don’t need to write more. Yesterday was a day to remember. We had 55 neighbors show up to Karol’s Prairie and fill the air with stories, laughter, questions, and ideas. People who hadn’t seen each other in years reconnected, and it felt like a reunion of hearts and minds under the wide-open sky. The weather was perfect—a sunny June day, with just enough breeze to keep the bugs at bay. It was magical.
But what made the day even more special was the way people engaged with the land. Families spread out across the prairie, kids running through the grasses, their shouts blending with the calls of birds. Adults leaned in, listening as we talked about how Karol’s Prairie is more than just a pretty patch of land.
It’s easy to think of open spaces like this as "non-productive," but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Wild spaces, riparian zones, and prairies like this one are vital. They are the lungs and lifeblood of our ecosystem. These are the places that soak up rainwater, purify it, and slowly release it into creeks and rivers. They provide habitat for pollinators and wildlife, which are essential to agriculture. They build resilience against flooding, drought, and erosion.
When we prioritize these spaces—when we let them thrive—we’re not just preserving beauty. We’re preserving the foundation of a healthy, functioning landscape. Without these wild areas to balance the equation, the agriculture we depend on can’t survive.
Yesterday, we shared some hands-on techniques to restore health to overworked or damaged land. Neighbors learned about native plants and how their deep roots hold soil and retain water. We talked about how allowing the land to regenerate itself over time strengthens not just the prairie, but also the farms and communities that surround it.
Getting people out in nature is one of the best ways to open their eyes to these ideas. Standing knee-deep in wildflowers and feeling the prairie wind reminds us that we’re part of this ecosystem, not separate from it. Watching kids discover a hidden frog or adults marvel at the deep roots of switchgrass makes the connection clear: what’s good for the land is good for us, too.
By the end of the day, it was clear we had planted more than just native seeds. We had planted the seeds of connection—to the land, to each other, and to a shared vision for a healthier, more resilient future.
Thank you to everyone who came out, asked questions, and shared your hopes and ideas. Thank you for reminding us that Karol’s Prairie isn’t just a project; it’s a place where community can grow.
If you missed this year’s field day, don’t worry—there will be more chances to get involved. Karol’s Prairie has big dreams for the future, and we’d love to have you be a part of them.
Until then, take a moment to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and remember: the wild spaces are still here, quietly doing their work, waiting for us to join them.
More field day prep
We headed back out to make sure everything was set to go. Our animal neighbors were clearly ready for a good party.
Prepping for Family Field Day
We did some trail cutting getting ready for Family Field Day. Everything is so green! It was too deep to mow so I just pushed the brush cutter through the grass.
Winter mushroom hunting
It has been a dry and warm winter. We decided to come out and do some exploring to see what dried fungi we could find.
It’s time for a well
We finally decided to see what is going on under the old windmill that fell down and the well head that was damaged. Our friends from Koranda Well came out with their new truck to help pull out the old equipment and check the casing.
Cold Stratification for 2024
It’s true. I spread 5 acres of seed on the prairie on Christmas Eve. It started raining in the afternoon on the 23rd and quit raining just about the time we arrived on the 24th at noon.
Weather on the prairie on 12/23/23.
Weather on the prairie on 12/24/23.
We purchased 5 acres of seed from Pheasants Forever.
This 18 species Pollinator mix designed to meet SD CP42 Pollinator standard in MLRAs on Loamy soils. Updated Jan 2023.
Alfalfa (VNS) (0.62), Wild Bergamot (0.05), Blanket Flower (0.35), Prairie Cinquefoil (0.01), Prairie Coneflower (0.15), Illinois Bundleflower (0.36), Indian blanket (0.43), Common Milkweed (0.09), Purple Prairie Clover (0.19), White Prairie Clover (0.08), False Sunflower (0.18), Maximillian Sunflower (0.24), Black-eyed Susan (0.08), Yarrow (0.04), Little Bluestem (0.46), Sideoats Grama (0.36), Slender Wheatgrass (0.35), Western Wheatgrass (0.49).
We own a commercial grade mister/spreader. This tool is great. You simply fill the top hopper with seed and walk around spraying it like you are a Ghostbuster.
I used my Strava app to ensure I recorded where I had been.
When I lay this data over my Google Earth paddocks you can see I was able to spread the seed pretty accurately from memory. There are no fences in this section so I had to go from memory as it was too cold to get my phone out and look at the map.
You can see from the following image that Christmas brought us the precipitation and cold to burry and encase the seeds for cold stratification.
Seed stratification is a process that involves subjecting seeds to a period of cold and moist conditions to break dormancy and promote germination. Many plant species, particularly those native to temperate climates, have evolved mechanisms to prevent immediate germination of seeds upon dispersal. This dormancy helps seeds survive unfavorable conditions, and stratification is a natural way to signal to the seeds that the conditions are suitable for germination.
Here's how seed stratification works and how it can be beneficial for prairie restoration:
Seed Stratification Process:
Collection: Seeds are collected from native prairie plants.
Cleaning: Seeds are cleaned to remove any debris, chaff, or other impurities.
Moistening: Seeds are moistened to initiate the imbibition process, where water is absorbed by the seed.
Cold Treatment: Seeds are subjected to a period of cold and moist conditions, simulating winter conditions. This cold period helps break dormancy by overcoming physiological barriers that inhibit germination.
Warmth: After the cold treatment, seeds are exposed to warmer temperatures to signal the end of winter and the beginning of the growing season.
Planting: The treated seeds are then planted in the desired restoration area.
Benefits of Seed Stratification for Prairie Restoration:
Increased Germination Rates: Seed stratification enhances germination rates by mimicking the natural conditions required for many prairie plant species to break dormancy.
Species Diversity: Different prairie plant species may have specific stratification requirements. By understanding and implementing seed stratification techniques, restoration efforts can promote a diverse array of native species.
Timing Control: Seed stratification allows land managers to control the timing of germination. This can be particularly important for prairie restoration projects where establishing a diverse and resilient plant community is a priority.
Improved Establishment: Stratified seeds are more likely to establish and grow successfully when planted in the appropriate environmental conditions, contributing to the success of prairie restoration efforts.
Using Seed Stratification for Prairie Restoration:
Identifying Species Requirements: Understanding the specific stratification requirements of target prairie plant species is crucial. Different species may have varying needs in terms of cold duration, moisture levels, and temperature fluctuations.
Timing: Implement seed stratification during the appropriate season. Cold treatment typically occurs during the winter months, followed by planting in the spring when conditions are conducive to germination and growth.
Monitoring Conditions: Regularly monitor and control the environmental conditions during the stratification process to ensure that seeds are exposed to the required cold and moist conditions.
Collaboration: Work with experts, ecologists, and local resources to gather knowledge about the specific requirements of prairie plants in the target restoration area. Collaboration can help tailor stratification techniques to the unique characteristics of the ecosystem.
By employing seed stratification as part of a prairie restoration strategy, land managers can enhance the success and diversity of native plant establishment, contributing to the overall health and resilience of the restored prairie ecosystem.
What we did was leverage the impending snowfall to our advantage.
Spreading seeds just before the first major snowfall of the season can mimic a natural stratification process in prairie restoration, particularly for plant species that require cold-moist stratification to break dormancy. This approach takes advantage of the cold temperatures and snow cover during the winter months to provide the seeds with the necessary conditions for stratification. Here's how this method can mimic natural seed stratification:
1. Seed Collection and Preparation:
Collect seeds from native prairie plants, ensuring that they are mature and have gone through their natural ripening process.
Clean the seeds to remove any debris or impurities.
2. Moistening the Seeds:
Before spreading the seeds, moisten them to initiate the imbibition process, allowing water to penetrate the seed coat.
3. Timing:
Choose the timing carefully to coincide with the natural timing of seed dispersal in the prairie ecosystem. Aim to spread the seeds just before the first major snowfall of the season.
4. Spread Seeds on Bare Soil:
Ensure that the seeds are spread over bare soil to make direct contact with the ground.
5. Snow Cover:
The snow cover serves as a protective layer for the seeds, providing insulation against extreme temperatures and creating a moist environment.
6. Cold Temperature Exposure:
As the seeds lay beneath the snow, they are exposed to cold temperatures. The cold treatment helps break dormancy by overcoming physiological barriers that inhibit germination.
7. Snow Melt:
When the snow begins to melt in the spring, it exposes the stratified seeds to warmer temperatures. This change in conditions signals the end of winter and the beginning of the growing season.
8. Natural Germination:
With the combination of cold exposure and subsequent warming, the stratified seeds are more likely to germinate naturally when the environmental conditions are favorable.
Benefits of Snowfall Seed Spreading:
Simulates Natural Processes: This method mimics the natural process of seed dispersal and stratification that occurs in many prairie ecosystems where seeds fall to the ground before winter.
Protects Seeds: The snow cover provides insulation and protection for the seeds against extreme temperatures, as well as potential predation by birds and rodents.
Moisture Retention: The snow layer helps retain moisture, ensuring that the seeds remain in contact with a consistently moist environment.
Timing Alignment: By spreading seeds just before the first major snowfall, the timing aligns with the natural cycle of many prairie plant species, optimizing the chances of successful germination.
Low-Cost Approach: This method is relatively low-cost and relies on natural processes, making it suitable for large-scale prairie restoration projects.
26m gallons of water collected
So far we have collected and allow 1.2m gallons of water to infiltrate into our prairie in 2023. Seems like a lot huh? The math is pretty simple.
45 acres = 1,960,200 Square Feet
1,960,200 x .623 (gallons of water per inch of rain per square foot) = 1,221,204 gallons per inch of rain
21.25 inches of rain x 1,221,204 = 25,950,597 gallons of water.
That’s 53 Olympic swimming pools.
Water infiltration into prairies from rainfall is a critical process that plays a fundamental role in sustaining the health and functionality of these ecosystems. Here are several important reasons why water infiltration is crucial for prairies:
Soil Moisture and Plant Growth: Water infiltration ensures that the soil in prairies receives an adequate supply of moisture. This moisture is essential for the germination of seeds, the growth of plants, and the overall health of the vegetation in the prairie ecosystem. Adequate soil moisture supports the diverse plant species that characterize prairies.
Groundwater Recharge: Infiltrated water moves downward through the soil and may contribute to the recharge of groundwater aquifers. This is especially important in maintaining a sustainable water supply for both natural ecosystems and human communities that may rely on groundwater resources.
Erosion Control: Adequate water infiltration helps to control soil erosion in prairies. When rainwater infiltrates the soil, it reduces surface runoff, which, in turn, minimizes the risk of soil erosion. This is particularly important in preventing the loss of fertile topsoil and maintaining the integrity of the prairie landscape.
Nutrient Cycling: Water infiltration is closely linked to nutrient cycling in prairies. It helps transport essential nutrients through the soil profile, making them available to plant roots. This process supports the nutrient requirements of the diverse plant species in prairies and contributes to the overall nutrient cycling within the ecosystem.
Biodiversity Support: Prairie ecosystems are characterized by a rich diversity of plant and animal species. Adequate water infiltration ensures the availability of suitable habitats for various organisms by maintaining soil moisture levels. This, in turn, supports the biodiversity of prairies.
Resilience to Drought: Infiltrated water stored in the soil provides a buffer against drought conditions. Prairie vegetation has adapted to periodic dry spells, and sufficient soil moisture enhances the resilience of prairies to drought by supporting plant survival during periods of water scarcity.
Temperature Regulation: Water infiltration can have a moderating effect on soil temperatures. Moist soils tend to have more stable temperatures than dry soils, contributing to a more favorable environment for plant growth and microbial activity in prairies.
Wildlife Habitat: Adequate soil moisture resulting from water infiltration supports a variety of invertebrates, amphibians, and other wildlife that depend on the prairie ecosystem. These organisms, in turn, contribute to the overall ecological balance of the prairie.
In summary, water infiltration is essential for maintaining the ecological balance, biodiversity, and overall health of prairie ecosystems. It supports plant growth, prevents erosion, contributes to nutrient cycling, and provides critical habitats for a diverse array of species.
Prepping for seed
So we are trying something new this year. We broke the 45 acres up into varoius paddocks with various methods of restoration being tested.
You can see in the photos we did some much needed clean up and even took down the damanged windmill.
Checking on the cows and fungi
We use cattle to help us restore the biology to the soil.
Cows can be used as part of a holistic approach to prairie restoration through a practice known as managed grazing or conservation grazing. When properly implemented, this approach can mimic the historical role of large herbivores, such as bison, in shaping and maintaining prairie ecosystems. Here are some ways in which cows can be utilized for prairie restoration:
Grazing Mimicry: Historically, large herbivores played a crucial role in shaping prairie landscapes through grazing. Cows can be used to mimic this natural process, helping to manage vegetation, control invasive species, and promote the growth of native grasses and forbs. Grazing helps maintain the openness of the landscape, preventing the dominance of woody vegetation.
Seed Dispersal: Cows can inadvertently aid in seed dispersal. As they move through the landscape, seeds can attach to their fur or be transported in their digestive systems. This can contribute to the natural dispersal of seeds, promoting the growth of diverse plant species within the prairie.
Vegetation Management: Controlled grazing can be used to manage vegetation composition and structure. By strategically moving cattle through different areas of the prairie at specific times, land managers can influence the abundance of certain plant species, control invasive plants, and promote the regeneration of native vegetation.
Soil Disturbance: Cows, through their grazing and movement, can contribute to soil disturbance. This can be beneficial for promoting seed germination and establishing new plant growth. Moderate soil disturbance can also prevent the accumulation of thatch and create microsites for seedling establishment.
Dung Fertilization: Cattle dung serves as a source of organic matter and nutrients for the soil. It contains nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can contribute to soil fertility and support plant growth. The dung also provides habitat for dung beetles and other decomposers, enhancing nutrient cycling.
Restoration of Disturbed Areas: Cows can be employed to restore degraded or disturbed prairie areas. By carefully managing their grazing patterns, land managers can encourage the recovery of native vegetation in areas that have been impacted by agriculture, development, or other disturbances.
Rotational Grazing: Implementing rotational or planned grazing systems ensures that cattle are moved through different sections of the prairie in a controlled manner. This prevents overgrazing, allows for rest and recovery periods, and promotes a more even distribution of grazing pressure, supporting the overall health of the ecosystem.
It's important to note that effective management is crucial when using cattle for prairie restoration to prevent overgrazing and ensure positive ecological outcomes. Collaboration with ecologists, land managers, and conservationists is often necessary to develop and implement grazing plans that align with the specific goals of prairie restoration projects.
The BDAs work!
We are definitely slowing down and retaining water on the land. Time for more Beaver Dam Anologs. We also had our wonderful grazing partner cut down some weeds in the corners.
Be the Beaver
Beaver dams offer a variety of environmental benefits, playing a crucial role in shaping and enhancing ecosystems. Here are some of the key advantages provided by beaver dams:
Water Storage: Beaver dams create ponds and wetlands by impounding water. This stored water helps in regulating stream flow, especially during dry periods, providing a consistent water source for various plants and animals.
Flood Prevention: By slowing down the flow of water, beaver dams can help prevent or mitigate floods. The dams act as natural barriers that absorb excess water during heavy rains, reducing the risk of downstream flooding.
Groundwater Recharge: Beaver dams facilitate the recharge of groundwater by holding water in the landscape. This is essential for maintaining soil moisture and sustaining vegetation, particularly in arid or semi-arid regions.
Erosion Control: The structures created by beavers, including dams and lodges, help control soil erosion along riverbanks and shorelines. The slowed water flow allows sediments to settle, preventing excessive erosion.
Habitat Creation: Beaver ponds and wetlands create diverse habitats that support a wide range of plant and animal species. The standing water provides breeding and foraging grounds for amphibians, insects, fish, and waterfowl. Additionally, the wetland environment promotes the growth of aquatic vegetation.
Biodiversity: The complex ecosystems formed around beaver dams contribute to increased biodiversity. The varied habitats created by the dams attract a diverse array of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and aquatic species. This biodiversity, in turn, strengthens the overall resilience of the ecosystem.
Water Quality Improvement: Beaver dams help filter and purify water by trapping sediment and pollutants. This results in improved water quality downstream as the water gradually moves through the beaver-created wetlands.
Climate Change Resilience: Beaver dams may play a role in climate change resilience. The stored water in beaver ponds can act as a buffer against drought, helping ecosystems cope with changing climate conditions. Additionally, the creation of wetlands contributes to carbon sequestration.
It's important to note that while beaver activity provides these ecological benefits, conflicts can arise in human-altered landscapes, such as flooded areas around roads and agricultural fields. In some cases, efforts are made to manage beaver-human conflicts and find ways to coexist with these ecosystem engineers.
Beaver Dam Anologs
Beaver dam analogs (BDAs) are human-built structures designed to mimic the functions of natural beaver dams. These structures are created to restore or enhance ecosystems by imitating the hydrological and ecological benefits of beaver activity. Beavers are known for their dam-building behavior, which creates wetlands and alters landscapes in ways that benefit various plant and animal species.
Benefits of Beaver Dam Analogs:
Water Retention and Recharge: BDAs help in retaining water in the landscape. By slowing down the flow of water, they allow for increased groundwater recharge and help prevent water runoff. This is especially valuable in arid or semi-arid regions.
Floodplain Restoration: Beaver dam analogs contribute to the restoration of floodplains by creating diverse wetland habitats. They enhance the natural floodplain functions and promote biodiversity by providing suitable habitats for various plants, insects, amphibians, and birds.
Improved Water Quality: Slowing down water flow allows sediments and pollutants to settle, leading to improved water quality downstream. This can have positive effects on aquatic ecosystems and human water supplies.
Wildlife Habitat: The creation of wetlands and associated habitats supports a wide range of wildlife. Beaver dam analogs attract various species, including birds, mammals, amphibians, and insects, contributing to increased biodiversity.
Erosion Control: By slowing the movement of water, BDAs can help control erosion in riverbanks and other areas prone to soil loss. This is particularly useful in areas affected by human activities that have disrupted natural hydrological processes.
Climate Change Resilience: Beaver dam analogs may play a role in climate change resilience by contributing to water storage, reducing the impacts of drought, and supporting ecosystems that can adapt to changing conditions.
It's important to note that the success of beaver dam analog projects depends on proper design and site selection. Additionally, these structures should be monitored to ensure they achieve their intended ecological goals without causing unintended negative consequences.
What did the rain bring?
Visited the prairie two days in a row to see what happens when it rains. We are trying to understand flows on the property: flows of water, wind, animals, seeds, etc. Also the raccoons have been busy working through the large brush piles left behind from renovating the shelter belt.
Seeding the soil, Testing the water
On Sunday I headed out to the prairie with my girls. I am trying as best I can to let the wild spaces find a place in their hearts. All of us need the wild. We need to be hot and cold and wet. We need to smell the smells and hear the birds and be scared by something unusual. The temperature reached above 50 for the first time this year that I can remember so I was eager to see the snow runoff and feel the sun.
The drive out there was less muddy on the maintained portions of the road than I expected but way sloppier on the unmaintained. Thank goodness for a Subaru.
Well there was so much runoff you could hear it even amongst the howling winds. We parked in the shelter belt gate on the north end. From there, there is easy access to water coming in from the West, North, and East fields and joining down at the dugout.
Well we were there 5 minutes before my oldest daughter Claire fell into the creek above. She had forgotten that it was a little ravine and just thought it was a snow pile. Needless to say she fell in thigh deep. We all “helped” her by laughing at her and taking her pic.
Seeding the Prairie
Our first actual goal of the day was to plant prairie seeds in 2 test spots. The next 4 pictures are me zooming in for you to the north end of the prairie to 2 spots marked in white. The darker soil is the stand from last year in the prairie.
I say that one of these spots is 10 meters squared and the other is 100 meters squared but I did not have a tape measure. I simply paced off something close to it. They may be closer to 8 meters squared and 64 meters squared. While one child scraped back the duff, the others sprinkled in and stomped in the seed mix.
Each area received the same amount of seeds. This will give us some idea how density impacts the areas. Also one is in the trees and the other is along the water. Hopefully we learn something. The seed mix was:
Nine parts Anise hyssop donated by Lauren Forsch of Sioux Falls
One Part Milk weed donated by Prairie Ally in Luverne, MN
One Part Allium donated by Lauren Forsch of Sioux Falls
One Part Hydrangea donated by Lauren Forsch of Sioux Falls
Two Parts Prairie Mix donated by Steven Fisher of Pilot Mound, MN
Two Parts Dense Blazing Star donated by Lauren Forsch of Sioux Falls
The hope, of course, from seeding the prairie is that we begin to understand what the land will and won’t support. I gathered all of these seeds from thriving plants in our bioregion. I hope that this increases our chances for success as these seeds are climate-adjusted.
Testing the water
We tested the water in 2 spots. Location one had the runoff from the pasture to the west of us. Location 2 had the runoff from the drain tile and pasture to the east of the shelter belt area.
At Test Site 1 we did Nitrate, Ammonia, and Phosphorus tests
25mg/L of Nitrates were measured.
NH3 + NH4+ Ammonia measured <0.15 mg/L
On the phosphorus test I had some help
Our phosphate measurement was 0.5 mg/L.
At Test Site 2 we did Nitrate, and Phosphorus tests. You’ll see my help was really into it.
We measured 10 mg/L of Nitrates
We measured 1.0 mg/L of Phosphorus
Overall our concern for the surface water is in regards to the cattle dugout to the west and manure levels and to with the drain tiles to the east. Surface runoff has plenty of buffer strip between tilled soil and the creek. However, drain tiles skip that buffer strip and drain directly into the creek. We will continue to monitor.
Winter cover
I took 2 wilderness and wildlife enthusiasts with me out to see the winter cover. We are pretty sure we found a leftover Baltimore Oriole nest in the tree. We also say many rabbit and mouse tracks. The silver maple was already budding. I think we have 2 of them at least.
Fall checkin
Took the girls back out to see how the fall was shaping up. We explored the old cottonwood and worked on the windmill some more.
We measured the grass where the cows helped graze it. They grazed it down to about 2 inches.
Here is a photo directly across the fence where they did not graze. You can see it is about 46 inches.
Fenceline update
Well the decision to partner with our neighbors the Waltners and how we were going to partner on this task took quite a few months. We had two primary goals to merge. The Waltner’s wanted a straighter fenceline so that plowing and harvesting in their big machinery was easier. Our shared fenceline used to look like this on the east side.
You can see our lighter color pasture against their dark green crop. You can also clearly see the property line as it stairsteps down and to the right. After many many negotiations, we agreed to the following:
Don’t change the property lines. Just create a working agreement between the parties.
Remove the end-of-life mulberry trees along the shared fence line on the north end of the pasture.
Make the fence “straighter” as it crossed the properties.
Net zero land for both parties. Because of the nature of triangles, as we straightened it out we “lost” 11 acres of prairie and “gained” 11 acres of cropland.
We will manage the weed situation in the released triangles from their portion.
We will put up a high-tensile fence around our pasture so we have grazing as an option.
Here is what we ended up with.
You can still see our old property lined shaded by darker appearing soil and their new cropland by the lighter appearing soil.
We could not have accomplished this without the ridiculous effort of Anne Waltner, our neighbor and Tom Gruber, our other neighbor and grazing partner.
We also had amazing help from a group of land lovers from Sioux Falls SD.
I can’t believe it still works
Let’s get right to it. Check out this video.
I dug this electric motor out of the dirt under the windmill and took it home to try and repair it. And it fired right up when I plugged it in. Can you believe that? Who knows the potential of life still on the property? The hidden gems. The surprises.
