Cottonwood River Prairie SNA
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478 Acres Located from Springfield 3 miles W on US Hwy 14, then 3 miles south on Co Hwy 2. Turn W, staying on County Road 2, and travel 0.5 mile. Park at the east end of the bridge over Mound Creek. Brown County Twp 109N Rng 35W Sec 33 Type: Prairie Grasslands ECS Subsection: Minnesota River Prairie |
Description:
The Prairie Sky Unit of the Cottonwood River Prairie SNA occupies north- and southwest-facing slopes of a ridge between the present Cotton wood River and an older, abandoned channel on Mound Creek. Prairie Sky Unit is named for the scenic view from the top of the hill. The site contains a large population of the federally threatened prairie bush clover, which prefers north-facing slopes on dry, gravely hill prairies and thin-soil prairies. The dry hills of the Prairie Champion Unit on the northwest end of the SNA and the former railroad prairie connecting the two end units also contain prairie bush clover and other prairie species. Wetlands and wet prairie are found at the base of the prairie hills on the SNA. Blue grosbeaks, an unusual bird species in Minnesota, are found in this area. Several old fields have been planted to native species which grow on the site. Restoration efforts also include the removal of trees and prescribed burns on the prairie. Abundant displays of prairie wildflowers, such as purple coneflowers, lead plant, puccoon, and blazing stars, can be seen spring through fall, along with many species of butterflies and skippers. The spectacular view from the top of the hills, combined with the plants and wildlife of this prairie community, make this a rewarding site to visit.
Bird List 
