Bioblitz on August 26, 2016

On August 26th, 2016 the Scientific and Natural Areas hosted the first ever iNaturalist bioblitz at Assinaboia Skipper Prairie SNA. Four participants were in attendance; three made observations using pencil & paper and one individual took photos. A total of 15 plants were identified.

The Felton Prairie complex is the most important gravel prairie complex in Minnesota, its four units associated with beach ridges (former shorelines) of Glacial Lake Agassiz. Mesic blacksoil prairie predominates, with gravel prairie on the ridges and wet black soil prairie occupying the swales. Among its rare features are a calcareous seepage fen, western prairie fringed orchids, Assiniboia and Dakota skippers, chestnut-collared longspurs, marbled godwits and loggerhead shrikes. The site is part of a designed Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA) and has long been a magnet for birders.

For more information about the Assinaboia Skipper Prairie SNA located within the Felton Prairie Complex near Felton, Minnesota- please visit the SNA website at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snas/detail.html?id=sna00955 or contact Buffalo River State Park at 218-498-2124.

Posted by awakely, September 03, 2016 07:18 PM