MCBS Highlights

MCBS biologists have found 25 plant and animal species not previously documented in Minnesota, and MCBS data and technical assistance have contributed to dozens of conservation successes across Minnesota since 1987.

Examples of noteworthy discoveries and ways in which MCBS is contributing to the understanding and conservation of Minnesota's natural heritage:

• Weak Arctic Sedge − Rediscovered species not seen in Minnesota since 1936 (2009)
• Algae-like Pondweed − New species to Minnesota found in BWCA (2008)
• Mapped Minnesota's remaining native prairie statewide (1.3mb) (version with highlighted prairie landscapes [4.5mb]). Both maps are incorporated in
• Mapped prairie data was incorporated in Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan 2010 (7.5mb)
• Hastings Sand Coulee Prairie, Dakota County − Landowners protect important prairie site documented by MCBS (2007)
• Bog Adder's-mouth − MCBS plant ecologists document new locations of elusive orchid in Becker and Hubbard counties during 2005 and 2006 field seasons (2007)
• Renville County − County uses MCBS data to maintain natural areas (2003)
• Canada Rice-grass − Distinctive grass found in Lake County is Minnesota first (2003)
• Sugarbush Preserve, Sherburne County − Livonia Township uses MCBS data to protect Sugarbush Preserve (2003)
• Itasca County − Aquatic surveys find eleven species of rare plants (2002)
• Western Jacob's Ladder − MCBS plant ecologist finds sixth world-wide location of much-sought species in Itasca County (2001)
• Bitter Fleabane − Rare plant rediscovered in Minnesota in Lake County after 55 years (2000)
• Northern Border Lakes, Cook County − MCBS plant ecologists coordinate rerouting of hiking trail near rare plant populations
• Rough-fruited Fairy Bells − Plant found in northern Cook County is new species for Minnesota (1999)
• Ross's Sedge − Sedge not seen in Minnesota for over 100 years discovered on cliff in Cook County (1999)
• Slender Rush − Plant species new to Minnesota documented on lake shore in Cook County (1998)