Prairie Smoke Dunes SNA

1,280 Acres Located from Fertile 5 miles S on MN hwy 32, then 1 mi W on gravel road (across from Co Rd 7). Park at gated pull-off near large cottonwood trees. Hike .25 miles N to dunes. Norman County Twp 146N Rng 44W Sec 17 Type: Prairie Grasslands ECS Subsection: Red River Prairie

Description:

Fine sand dominates the ancient inter-beach area along the east margin of the Agassiz lacustrine plain, site of the Prairie Smoke Dunes SNA. Dunes in the northern portion of the site range from 40 to 50 feet high, with the leading edge of the dune forming an abrupt scarp nearly 60 feet high. This dry sand savanna community includes skeleton weed, ricegrass, and purple sand-grass, patchy bur oaks, and occasional basswood and green ash, with frequent dune blowouts and sparsely vegetated slopes punctuating the landscape. Vegetation changes dramatically at the top of the dune faces, with a dense forest of bur oak, basswood, green ash, and elm found on the north side. The gentler relief of the southern savanna was grazed heavily. Across the remainder of the site, various sedge meadow, wet prairie, and wet-mesic prairie communities are found, with aspen growing among the various grasses, big bluestem, leadplants, and wood lilies. The state flower, the showy lady slipper, along with yellow lady slippers, and even the endangered western fringed orchid occur on the site. Prairie smoke, a small plant usually under six inches, grows in clumps and, after blooming, forms plumes. Prescribed burning and girdling of aspen are dramatically enhancing this fine prairie.

Bird List

Plant List