Hastings Sand Coulee SNA

263.4 Acres Located from Hastings: North unit: S on Hwy 61, then S on Hwy 316, E then S on Tuttle Dr to the city stormwater utility. Park on Tuttle Dr. and walk into the coulee on the stormwater maintenance road. South unit: S on Hwy 61, then S on Hwy 316 2.4 mile. Turn right and park in the lot, just past guard rail. Site is across from Maher Drilling at 17400 Redwing Boulevard. Dakota County Twp 114N Rng 17W Sec 2 & 11 Type: Deciduous Woods ECS Subsection: Oak Savannah

Description:

Hastings Sand Coulee SNA is situated in a sandy ravine or coulee formed by a tributary stream to the Vermillion River. The stream cuts through a large expanse of Des Moines Lobe outwash deposit, which is generally characterized by sandy and gravelly soils. The steep slopes of the coulee offer the most topographic relief in the otherwise level agricultural landscape of this area. In addition to the dry prairie, the SNA contains areas of dry oak woodland that were once savanna. This site is the largest of a few sand gravel prairies remaining in the county. It contains 13 rare species of plant and animals including James' polanisia, regal fritillary butterfly, and gopher snake. The scenic slopes and ravines of the coulee are very vulnerable to erosion. Please take care to avoid damage to the slopes when visiting the area.

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