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Prairie
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Unit goalsThough often overlooked, the tall grass prairie native to this part of the country is a vibrant, diverse region rich with plant and animal life. The students will identify the various species and conditions that make the prairie unique, understand seasonal changes, and build towards understanding the concept of the prairie as a biome. |
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This unit is specifically designed to address appropriate AAAS Project 2061 benchmarks as well as fourth grade Minnesota Academic Science Standards Ib, IIIb, and IVc. E-mail here for more information. |
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What makes prairie plants unique?Prairie grasses tend to grow later in the summer, have deeper roots than most plants, and tend to grow in clumps. These adaptations allow the plants to better withstand the drought and fire conditions common on the prairie. Many prairie leaves are covered in hairs to deflect sunlight and conserve moisture. Contrary to popular belief, prairies are actually very shady at ground level (in regards to new plant growth) because the thick mass of plants keep the underlying earth completely covered. This helps to prevent non-prairie species from growing. Some prairie areas are pockmarked with "prairie potholes". These small lakes and marshes are vital to the survival of many species of animals, especially waterfowl and other birds. What are some of the plants we might find on River Bend's prairie?
What are some of the animals we might find on River Bend's prairie?
How does River Bend define "Biome?"Regions of the Earth that have a unique interdependent community of plants, animals, soils, and weather patterns. What do we need to remember when we visit River Bend?
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River Bend's prairie through the seasonsRiver Bend's prairie changes significantly from season to season. Most surprising to visitors is that most flowers don't come into full bloom until late summer and we'll be watching how the prairie prepares for fall. See what other differences you can discover (click to enlarge):
Prairie burns at River BendThe tall grass prairie didn't stay prairie without the help of "destructive" forces that eliminated trees and invading species but enabled native prairie species to thrive. Fire is the most obvious force, but herd of bison, swarms of insects, and extreme weather are other example of natural factors that help to keep a prairie growing strong. River Bend works with various agencies to hold prairie burns on portions of our prairie from time to time, often as training or practice burns for the agency's firefighters. Roadsides for Wildlife, Minnesota Conservation Corps, The Nature Conservancy, the local Faribault Fire Department, and River Bend's own staff and volunteers have all been involved in burns at River Bend at one time or another. Here are a few scenes from River Bend's past prairie burns (click to enlarge): |
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2008 data reports(download graphing example and template)
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Some suggested pre- or post-visit activitiesSend us your ideas here!
(trouble downloading? click here) |
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Interesting linksThe following links contain some interesting information on prairies: Send us your ideas (and broken links) here!
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(c) River Bend Nature Center |
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