Osmundson Prairie SNA

6 Acres Located from Kiester 3.5 miles E on Co Rd 2, then 1.5 miles S on 610th Avenue (gravel road). Faribault County Twp 101N Rng 24W Sec 36 Type: Prairie Grasslands ECS Subsection: Minnesota River Prairie

Description:

Through the efforts of the Albert Lea Audubon Society and the subsequent donation of land to the state of Minnesota by Mildred Osmundson Wickman, Osmundson Prairie survives today, surrounded by intensive agriculture. The Osmundson family farmed in northern Iowa, and this site honors their memory. It protects a rare remnant of the mesic blacksoil prairie community, as well as two rare plant species, rattlesnake master and tuberous Indian plantain. Located on the rolling topography of the Emmons-Faribault moraine, the prairie is dominated by Indian grass, big bluestem, and grama grasses. The best times to visit are during the spring blooming of pasque flowers and prairie smoke, and in the late summer when blazing stars, rattlesnake master, and sunflowers bloom.

Bird List

Plant List