For the past 25 years, a few of us have transformed an abandoned lot into a native prairie.
The prairie is right beside a bike path and walkers often look at us in disbelief. One of our favorite quotes is: “What are you doing down there, do you know?”. When we first started it was one acre of European spurge, Canada thistle, ragweed, and brome grass.
We have created a booklet about planting a vacant lot:
If you live in the Minneapolis, please visit the prairie. It is across the street from “The Marsh” health club. at 15000 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka 55345
![](http://oldnaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PlantingGrasses-e1471463849992-768x1024.jpg)
Native Big Bluestem
In the early going, we planted over a hundred grasses and flowers a year. We used the burlap to control weeds so the plants could get established. We have never used any herbicide or pesticide on the land.
Lessons learned at the prairie:
“The land knows us and gives so much as we work among the plants.”
Lessons learned at the prairie:
” Nature can balance the rough places inside you.”
![](http://oldnaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/cupPlant-1-1024x1024.jpg)
Cup Plant
The leaves of the plant form a “cup” that birds and insects drink from.
Lessons learned at the Prairie:
“Let the beauty go deep into your bones”.
![](http://oldnaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/nativeConeflower-e1471464259888-768x1024.jpg)
Pale Coneflower
Lessons learned at the Prairie:
” Every living thing has a unique vibration. Share your vibration with the plant.”
![](http://oldnaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/MtMint-e1471465214665-1024x1024.jpg)
Mountain Mint
An August favorite of many pollinators.
Lessons learned at the Prairie:
“Be appreciative of the life that is around you”.
![](http://oldnaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/QueenPrairie-768x1024.jpg)
Queen of the Prairie
A wetland plant in the rose family with beautifully scented flowers.
Lessons learned at the Prairie:
” Life is so much better when your hands are digging in the Earth.”
![](http://oldnaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/rattlesnake-e1471629755134-1024x1024.jpg)
Rattlesnake Master
A favorite of pollinators in July. The plant is a a northern type of agave .
Lessons learned at the Prairie:
Respect the weeds, they are teachers too.
(vetch, thistle, canada anemone, and European Spurge).
![](http://oldnaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Rose-1024x1024.jpg)
wild rose
Lessons learned at the prairie:
“Say “good morning” to the plants and to the people walking by on the trail”.
![](http://oldnaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_3648-e1499744766104-768x1024.jpg)
Butterflyweed
Lessons learned at the Prairie ( from reader Dale Antonsen)
A true guardian is one who finds their encouragement (and benefit) from a simple flower, the flutter of wings and the buzz of happy bees.
Lessons learned at the Prairie: “Work with others whom you care about.”
![](http://oldnaturalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Prairie1-1024x768.jpg)
Friends of the Prairie
25 years later
So lovely all of you
such joy
you share the beauty
Great work! I had no idea…thank you for sharing your wonderful prairie with us.