{"id":3432,"date":"2023-11-28T08:57:04","date_gmt":"2023-11-28T14:57:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/?page_id=3432"},"modified":"2025-07-21T11:16:01","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T16:16:01","slug":"history-of-the-natural-lands","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/visitor-information-and-rules\/history-of-the-natural-lands\/","title":{"rendered":"History of the Natural Lands"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-modular-content-collection>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&#8220;As with many good ideas, serendipity played a part in the development of the Natural Lands. This involved a student project, the location siting of a new dormitory, the destruction of a cave, alumni support, and the federal government.&#8221;<\/p>\n<cite>Gene Bakko, First Curator of the Natural Lands<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This page details the chronological history of the Natural Lands along with discussing different parcels of land and their restoration years. To maximize comprehension, it can be helpful to refer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/06\/St-Olaf-Natural-Lands-20230401-1.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"2825\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Natural Lands map<\/a> while going through this page. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1980&#8217;s<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"431\" data-attachment-id=\"3783\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/img_2961\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/IMG_2961.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"640,431\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2961\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;History of the Natural Lands&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/IMG_2961.jpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/IMG_2961.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3783\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 1981 Wedin Planting as seen in 2023<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The first seed of the Natural Lands began to germinate over 40 years ago when in 1980, David Wedin (\u201881) came to then professor of biology Gene Bakko with a semester project idea titled \u2018St. Olaf as a Nature Area\u2019. Under Bakko\u2019s direction, Wedin identified all existing natural areas on campus and examined college-owned property that could be restored to native habitats. They discovered that in addition to the campus itself, the college owned all the farmland to the west and north of campus. At that time (1980) the only major \u201cnatural areas\u201d were Norway Valley, the woods below Ellingson, and the woods behind Hoyme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"618\" height=\"400\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3746\" data-id=\"3746\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/Norway-Valley-Archive.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Norway Valley, one of the primary preexisting natural areas on campus, depicted in a 1909 postcard<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3747\" data-id=\"3747\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/Norway-Valley-2023-1024x678.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Norway Valley pictured in 2023<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Wedin then asked about doing a tree and prairie planting on campus, and Bakko set him up with 50 native tree seedlings and approximately 1\/3 acre worth of native grass and forb seed. These trees and seeds were planted in the southwest corner of what is now labeled the Spring 2002 prairie restoration, marking 1981 as the first year of contemporary habitat restoration on St. Olaf property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Five years later, the construction of Ytterboe Hall served as a further catalyst for fostering interest in natural areas. In 1986, several science faculty learned that Ytterboe was going to be constructed in the heart of what was then known as Hoyme Woods, greatly fragmenting the habitat and eliminating all but a few mature trees in the area. Bakko made an appointment with Melvin George, the newly appointed President of the College at the time,  to address the issue. President George recognized the problem, and upon meeting with architects, the planned location of Ytterboe was shifted to where it stands today. This new location greatly reduced the number of trees that had to be cut down. This issue also alerted President George to the need for additional awareness of environmental affairs on campus and led to the formation of the Environmental Concerns Committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At about the same time, the college bulldozed the hazardous cave site below Thorson and Ellingson, leaving behind a hill of exposed soil. Some of the smaller tree saplings that were to be removed due to the placement of Ytterboe, were replanted at the exposed cave fill-in site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Conservation Reserve Program<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"687\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3450\" data-id=\"3450\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/10\/Pic1-_89TreesTractorPlant-1024x687.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">A tractor pulling a tree planter in 1989 for a tree planting with Mohn Hall in the background. The tree planter furrows into the earth, with the person in the seat dropping in seedlings. Another person follows to compress the dirt, ensuring the roots are covered and air pockets are eliminated.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3452\" data-id=\"3452\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/10\/Pic2-_89TreeTractor-Trail-1024x682.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The random paths of the tree planter through the agricultural fields<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"803\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3805\" data-id=\"3805\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/Pic5-_89Trees-33yrs-e1706805914216-1024x803.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Mature trees 33 years after planting<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The final impetus for restoring natural areas on college property was the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a US Department of Agriculture program that paid landowners to take agricultural land out of production and convert it to vegetative cover to reduce erosion and farm commodity surpluses while improving water and wildlife habitat quality. Through this program, St. Olaf College received $75\/acre\/year for 10 years, the rate of rented farmland at the time, allowing the college not to lose money. In 1988, 23 acres of land were enrolled and 20-30 native tree species were planted, with approximately 500 trees per acre. These areas included the 1988 and 1989 forests north of Baseball Pond, as well as the 1990 tree plantings west of Kittelsby and Hoyme dorms (see <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/06\/St-Olaf-Natural-Lands-20230401-1.pdf\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"2825\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">map<\/a> for details).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"691\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3457\" data-id=\"3457\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/10\/1-Tossing-seed.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Hand spreading seed on the former agricultural field<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1046\" height=\"694\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3459\" data-id=\"3459\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/10\/2-Dragging-field-1.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Following seed planting, a pickup truck dragging a section of chain link fence drove throughout the field, attempting to increase the amount of seed making contact with the soil and thereby improving germination rates<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4075\" data-id=\"4075\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/IMG_1553.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Spreading seed from the back of a pickup truck after a burn, with the exposed soil and reduced biomass contributing to beneficial seeding conditions<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4265\" data-id=\"4265\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/IMG_2752-1.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Spreading seed on snow &#8211; the snow helps to hold the seed where it lands, as well as providing moisture and eventual soil contact as it melts<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4264\" data-id=\"4264\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/IMG_2754-1.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Seeds spread across the snow<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>While approximately 21 of the 23 acres were planted as forest, the remaining acres were devoted to our first prairie planting. Encompassing the western portion of the 1988 planting, the former corn field was disked in the spring of 1989 to inhibit weed growth. Seed was then hand-spread across the field, followed by a pickup truck dragging a section of chain link fence to increase the seed contact with the soil and improve germination. For the following two years, the prairie was cut at a height of 18 inches to prevent annual weeds from going to seed. Three years post-seeding, the prairie was burned and subsequently burned every 3-5 years thereafter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" data-attachment-id=\"4083\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/agric019\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/agric019.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"640,426\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"agric019\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;A gully of erosion on St. Olaf agricultural land&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/agric019.jpeg\" data-id=\"4083\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/agric019.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4083\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A gully of erosion on St. Olaf agricultural land<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"444\" data-attachment-id=\"4082\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/agric018\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/agric018.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"640,444\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"agric018\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Silt accumulation due to the erosion from the agricultural fields&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/agric018.jpeg\" data-id=\"4082\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/agric018.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4082\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Silt accumulation due to the erosion from the agricultural fields<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" data-attachment-id=\"4084\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/h2o-runoff\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/H2O-runoff.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"640,426\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"H2O runoff\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The runoff from the St. Olaf fields resulted in flooding in western Northfield&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/H2O-runoff.jpg\" data-id=\"4084\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/H2O-runoff.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4084\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The runoff from the St. Olaf fields resulted in flooding in western Northfield<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">The agricultural fields that once stood where the Natural Lands now stand created a significant erosion problem, in addition to causing occasional flooding in west Northfield. The city originally planned to construct a retention pond on St. Olaf land to prevent the flooding. However, once the Natural Lands restoration projects began, the flooding in west Northfield ceased.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3806\" data-id=\"3806\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/3-Burn-1024x768.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Burning the prairie aided in encouraging the growth of native plants, while pushing back woody species such as sumac and willow<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"429\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4071\" data-id=\"4071\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/PrBurn21.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The black, burned out area following a prescribed burn<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"424\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4072\" data-id=\"4072\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/PrBurn27.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">After spring burns, plants can begin resprouting in as little as a week<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"430\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4070\" data-id=\"4070\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/PrBurn2.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Three weeks after a spring prescribed burn, the ground is no longer visible due to the lush vegetation <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3807\" data-id=\"3807\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/4-Burn-control-sumac-1024x768.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The prairie following a burn the previous season, with the sumac visible on the right<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3808\" data-id=\"3808\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/5-ConeFlowers-1024x681.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">A bloom of wildflowers including gray-headed coneflower following a burn<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1990&#8217;s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3810\" data-id=\"3810\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/Pic1-S_90-Treees-LarsonViewSo-1024x680.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">A view of the 1990 south tree planting from the top of Larson dorm<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3936\" data-id=\"3936\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/Pic2-S_90-Trees-Students-1024x678.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">An overview of students hand planting trees with tree spades<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"676\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3938\" data-id=\"3938\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/2-N_90trees-1yrMulch_Water-1024x676.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Planting, mulching, and watering  trees in the 1990 north unit (the crane in the background was being used to construct Ytterboe hall)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"685\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3467\" data-id=\"3467\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/10\/Pic4-S_90-TreeTubes-1024x685.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Securing tree tubes with bamboo rods to prevent deer grazing<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"681\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3937\" data-id=\"3937\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/Pic6-S_90-Tree-in-a-Tube-681x1024.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Sapling growth inside a tree tube<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"425\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3468\" data-id=\"3468\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/10\/Pic8-S_90-Trees-31yrs-1024x425.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The 31 year-old trees<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the 1988 and 1989 forest plantings, the 23 acres enrolled in the CRP also included the two 1990 tree plantings which contain the Forest Restoration Loop trails. Planting 500\/trees per acre, approximately 10,000 native hardwoods were planted across the 20+ CRP acres devoted to forest. The Natural Lands became a source of research early in its founding, with some of the tree seedlings being protected with tree tubes to see how this would affect growth and survival rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"674\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"3469\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/pic1-_92treeplant-leif-knecht\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/10\/Pic1-_92TreePlant-Leif-Knecht.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"765,1162\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Nikon SUPER COOLSCAN 4000 ED&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Pic1 _92TreePlant Leif Knecht\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/10\/Pic1-_92TreePlant-Leif-Knecht-674x1024.jpeg\" data-id=\"3469\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/10\/Pic1-_92TreePlant-Leif-Knecht-674x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3469\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Leif Knecht (\u201975) with an auger and students working on planting nursery trees<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-attachment-id=\"3470\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/pic4-_92-trees-30yrs\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/10\/Pic4-_92-Trees-30yrs.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"2560,1920\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Pic4 _92 Trees 30yrs\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/10\/Pic4-_92-Trees-30yrs-1024x768.jpeg\" data-id=\"3470\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/10\/Pic4-_92-Trees-30yrs-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3470\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of the 1992 restoration 30 years after the initial planting (2022)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">The 1992 Plantings<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The two 1992 tree plantings, located west of Cedar Avenue, were originally mowed grass as opposed to agriculture like most of the Natural Lands. The restoration area to the north was planted with native nursery saplings from Knecht Nursery, which is located directly south of campus and founded by St. Olaf Alumnus Leif Knecht (\u201975). Knecht was very helpful with future plantings as well. The smaller restoration located just north of the Ellingson Woods Trail was hand-planted with seedlings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3473\" data-id=\"3473\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/10\/Pic1-Future-_93Conifers-1024x682.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The agricultural field before planting conifers. The rows of corn stalks are still quite visible.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"430\" height=\"640\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4205\" data-id=\"4205\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/Conifer-Seedling.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Conifer seedlings becoming established<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"688\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3792\" data-id=\"3792\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/Pic-4BoxElder-control-1024x688.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Quick growing box elder trees required control in the conifer planting<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"605\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3474\" data-id=\"3474\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/10\/Pic6-Conifers-28yrs-1024x605.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The conifers 28 years after planting, blanketing the forest floor with needles.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1993, the first of the two conifer plantings was established. The 1993 6-acre planting was part of a larger 51-acre parcel that the College enrolled into the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Conservation Easement program, which also resulted in the restoration of Big Pond and the 1993 prairie (described later). While conifers are not native to southern Minnesota, this parcel and the later 1999 planting represent the conifers of northern Minnesota for educational and research purposes. Eight species were included in the plantings, with white pine (<em>Pinus strobus<\/em>), jack pine (<em>Pinus banksiana<\/em>), and red pine (<em>Pinus resinosa<\/em>) making up a majority of the planted trees. Other species include balsam fir (<em>Abies balsamea<\/em>), white spruce (<em>Picea glauca<\/em>), black spruce (<em>Picea mariana<\/em>), white cedar (<em>Thuja occidentalis<\/em>), and tamarack (<em>Larix laricina<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this same year, a major expansion of prairie occurred, primarily about 50 acres surrounding what is now Big Pond. This is the same year in which the <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/bluebird-trail\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"2814\">Bluebird Trail<\/a> was established, emphasizing the conservation efforts happening on the Natural Lands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-image-compare\"><div class=\"juxtapose\" data-mode=\"horizontal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"3521\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/11\/8-Disk-roadside.jpg?ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" class=\"image-compare__image-before\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"3522\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/11\/9-W.-Roadside-restored-e1700172926752.jpeg?ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1308\" height=\"960\" class=\"image-compare__image-after\"\/><\/div><figcaption>The roadside of Campus Drive. First photo: A narrow stretch on the west side of Campus Drive being disked with a tractor to expose the soil and tear up any existing non-native species, making the area ready to be planted with native species. Second photo: A recent photo of the roadside showing a variety of established native species<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"679\" data-attachment-id=\"3524\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/3-ruble-pile\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/11\/3-Ruble-pile.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1043,692\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Nikon SUPER COOLSCAN 4000 ED&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"3-Ruble pile\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/11\/3-Ruble-pile-1024x679.jpg\" data-id=\"3524\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/11\/3-Ruble-pile-1024x679.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3524\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The rubble pile consisted of &#8216;clean fill&#8217;, non-rotting material that included waste construction materials such as cement, asphalt, and excavated dirt.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-attachment-id=\"4114\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/prwork04\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/PrWork04.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"640,427\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"PrWork04\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/PrWork04.jpeg\" data-id=\"4114\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/PrWork04.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4114\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Soil being spread over the rubble pile<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-attachment-id=\"3525\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/6-2011-restored\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/11\/6-2011-restored.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"2560,1920\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"6-2011 restored\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/11\/6-2011-restored-1024x768.jpeg\" data-id=\"3525\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2023\/11\/6-2011-restored-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3525\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The rubble pile location as seen in 2011 covered with native plant species.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">The Rubble Pile before, during, and after restoration. To begin the restoration, the topsoil was pushed away from the pile followed by the spreading of the rubble to widen the pile, reducing the overall slope. The topsoil was then pushed back over the rubble, followed by planting a variety of prairie plants that can handle low moisture conditions (xeric species). This differed from most other planting in the Natural Lands which used a mesic (moderate moisture) mix of seeds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The next expansion of the Natural Lands came in 1993. For years, the college had dumped construction and excavated material at the northwest corner of the campus, this area becoming known as the Rubble Pile. As the Natural Lands grew, this pile needed to be converted to a more natural habitat. Due to the dumped materials, there were additional challenges with the location. The rubble had to be pushed from the top of the pile over the edges, turning the steep slope into a more gradual one. Then the entire area was covered with soil and planted with native species. Campus Drive, the access road connecting the Skogland parking lot to the old compost facility, was constructed soon after. Both sides of the road, after disking, were planted with native grasses. This has resulted in the 2011 prairie planting and the Campus Drive roadside being great locations for grass seed collection.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3791\" data-id=\"3791\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/Pavement-runoff.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Runoff from campus flowing down the hill across the Skoglund parking lot<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3790\" data-id=\"3790\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/parkrunoff2.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Runoff channeled to flow to Big Pond<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3797\" data-id=\"3797\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/BP-weir-insstall.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Big Pond didn&#8217;t hold water before the installation of the weir gate<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3796\" data-id=\"3796\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/pondWeir-10-02.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The weir gate allows for the height of Big Pond to be controlled by adding or removing boards, permitting a varied amount of water flow through<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3960\" data-id=\"3960\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/IMG_1574.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The weir gate in action<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"426\" height=\"426\" data-attachment-id=\"3942\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/pict6310\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/PICT6310-e1706798667175.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"426,426\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"PICT6310\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/PICT6310-e1706798667175.jpeg\" data-id=\"3942\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/PICT6310-e1706798667175.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3942\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-attachment-id=\"4006\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/stowetlnd\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/stowetlnd.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"640,480\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"sto&amp;#038;wetlnd\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;History of the Natural Lands&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/stowetlnd.jpeg\" data-id=\"4006\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/stowetlnd.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4006\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-attachment-id=\"3757\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/big-pond-2023\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/Big-Pond-2023.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2560,1440\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Big Pond 2023\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;History of the Natural Lands&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/Big-Pond-2023-1024x576.jpg\" data-id=\"3757\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/Big-Pond-2023-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3757\"\/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Big Pond before (first photo: 1991) and after (photos 2 and 3) weir gate installation, allowing water to accumulate to form a pond where previously it was continuously drained and only an ephemeral wetland at best. Note the early stage of tree growth in the 1995 planting on the south side of the pond in the second photo (2001) including the conifers in the lower right corner of the picture. Note also the early stages of construction of Tostrud Center. The last photo shows Big Pond in the late fall of 2023. Notice the tree growth including the conifers in the lower right, a finished Tostrud center, and the presence of the wind turbine, Big Ole<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" data-attachment-id=\"3787\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/e-coyote93\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/E.Coyote93.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"640,426\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"E.Coyote&amp;#8217;93\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;History of the Natural Lands&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/E.Coyote93.jpeg\" data-id=\"3787\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/E.Coyote93.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3787\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-attachment-id=\"3944\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/wetlands26\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/wetlands26.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1069,712\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Nikon SUPER COOLSCAN 4000 ED&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"wetlands26\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/wetlands26-1024x682.jpg\" data-id=\"3944\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/wetlands26-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3944\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-attachment-id=\"3789\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/img_4105\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/IMG_4105.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"640,480\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_4105\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;History of the Natural Lands&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/IMG_4105.jpeg\" data-id=\"3789\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/IMG_4105.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3789\"\/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">1993 also saw the creation of several wetlands throughout the prairie. By identifying low, wet spots throughout the agricultural fields and digging out these sites further with construction equipment, small ephemeral ponds were able to form<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-image-compare\"><div class=\"juxtapose\" data-mode=\"horizontal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"3940\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/Pic1-_98-wetland-before-treeplant.jpeg?ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1069\" height=\"712\" class=\"image-compare__image-before\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"3941\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/Pic4-_98Wetland-_-Trees-24Yrs.jpeg?ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" class=\"image-compare__image-after\"\/><\/div><figcaption>First photo: Prior to planting, standing water in the field following a heavy rain. Second photo: The planting approximately 25 years later, showing both the trees and the invading reed canary grass in the low, wet areas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1998, an additional 30 acres of land was put into the CRP. A majority of the planting of this field, located west of the Windmill Trail, was done in 1998, with further planting continuing through 2004 including the expansion of the conifer forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2000&#8217;s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"603\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4109\" data-id=\"4109\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/PIC5-TossTreeSeed-1024x603.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Direct seeding trees<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4110\" data-id=\"4110\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/PIC7-Drying-Butternut-Seed-1024x680.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Drying butternut (Juglans cinerea) seeds after collection<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4111\" data-id=\"4111\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/PIC12-Mow-BoxElder-1024x766.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">A high mow (especially of box elder trees) allows light to reach the slower growing planted species<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"421\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4112\" data-id=\"4112\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/Pic14-5yr-Seeding-1024x421.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Student workers in the 5 year old seeding<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"502\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4106\" data-id=\"4106\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/SubsetBakkoPictsHistorical_PowerpointFormat.pptx-e1707927441658.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The bare soil of the St. Olaf agricultural fields before direct seeding<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"395\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4108\" data-id=\"4108\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/IMG_2410.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Trees 15 years after seeding, taken at the same point as the previous photo<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2000, both The Henry and Agnes Nelson Family Endowment and the Morton and Thelma Egeland Endowment for Environmental Science were created, providing essential funding to continue environmental stewardship in the Natural Lands (see the <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/visitor-information-and-rules\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"2959\">benefactors section<\/a> to learn more). About 4 acres of the 1998 CRP land was devoted to direct seeding. Performed in 2001, this was a relatively new method of establishing large tree plantings. The seed, provided primarily by the DNR, was hand-spread over disturbed soil, followed by the seed being worked in by lightly disking the field with a tractor. This method, while new, grew in popularity and was further used for the 2002, 2003, and 2005 tree seedings, which total 32 acres and extend toward Highway 19 as it allowed for relatively quick planting, in addition to overwhelming any seed-eating animals with sheer quantity of seed, ensuring the survival of a large portion of plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4243\" data-id=\"4243\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/IMG_0498.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The stem of a red oak, showing the terminal bud and lateral buds. The terminal bud holds more energy than the lateral buds, as the trees prioritize upward growth<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4242\" data-id=\"4242\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/IMG_0420.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The terminal buds are common targets of deer browsing due to their high concentrations of energy<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4245\" data-id=\"4245\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/IMG_0749.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">One method of protecting the terminal buds is to cap them with paper<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-4244\" data-id=\"4244\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/IMG_0510.jpeg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Another method of protecting the buds is by dipping them in deer guard, efficiently making the buds unappetizing to the deer<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-jetpack-image-compare\"><div class=\"juxtapose\" data-mode=\"horizontal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"4220\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/IMG_0256.jpeg?ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" class=\"image-compare__image-before\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"3744\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/01\/6-Savanna-13-yrs.jpg?ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" class=\"image-compare__image-after\"\/><\/div><figcaption>The 2003 savanna. First photo: Mowing timothy grass, the domestic species planted as ground cover which would have died off if the forest matured and canopy closed. Second photo: The savanna as seen in summer 2023, featuring a variety of native prairie species.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2001, the US Fish and Wildlife Department offered another permanent easement program for a limited time. St. Olaf took advantage and received a contract for an additional 100 acres which extended the prairie restorations north to North Ave and west to Eaves Ave, receiving $2,500 per acre. This grant money enabled the project, which would&#8217;ve been cost-prohibitive at the time, as prairie restorations cost over $1000 per acre. These parcels were planted between 2002 and 2004. The Spring 1998 prairie restoration was originally thought to be the limit to the natural habitat restoration program, and so to add diversity, a small oak forest was planted in 1993 on the western 7 acres along with timothy grass as ground cover. When the Natural Lands was extended further, a small forest surrounded by further prairie wouldn&#8217;t have made much sense compared to continuous prairie. Thus, many of the planted seedlings were removed save for a select few bur (<em>Quercus macrocarpa<\/em>) and red oak (<em>Q. rubra<\/em>), which established a savanna-like area. The domestic grass species, which would&#8217;ve died off as the canopy closed, instead grew with the additional sunlight. The grass had to be mowed and burned, followed by the planting of native prairie species in 2003.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"686\" data-attachment-id=\"4120\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/prburn42\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/PrBurn42.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1047,701\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Nikon SUPER COOLSCAN 4000 ED&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"PrBurn42\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/PrBurn42-1024x686.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/PrBurn42-1024x686.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4120\" style=\"width:409px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>On April 27, 2001, a wildfire erupted in the Natural Lands. It was the Saturday night of the President&#8217;s Ball, celebrating the inauguration of the new St. Olaf President, Chris Thomforde. Fireworks were used in the celebration, being set off near Skoglund. Embers ended up reaching the ground, igniting the 1993 prairie planting north of the Big Pond loop. Multiple 911 calls were made. When the firetrucks arrived, the weight of the vehicles in addition to the water they carried resulted in them getting stuck in the field. The fire eventually burned itself out, being contained by the trail to the south, agricultural land to the north and west, and Campus Drive to the east. The firetrucks were later towed out by tractors, leaving deep ruts in soil and several destroyed bluebird boxes in their wake.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-attachment-id=\"4210\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/img_2443\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/IMG_2443.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"640,480\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2443\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/IMG_2443.jpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/IMG_2443.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4210\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The natural gas pipeline being installed through the Natural Lands<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In 2007, a natural gas pipeline was routed through the Natural Lands, influencing the location of the Windmill Trail. The saplings on either side are a part of the 2002 tree seeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-attachment-id=\"4066\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/broadcastseed04\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/BroadcastSeed04.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"640,480\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"BroadcastSeed&amp;#8217;04\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Broadcast seeding with a tractor followed immediately by disking to increase soil contact&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/BroadcastSeed04.jpeg\" data-id=\"4066\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/BroadcastSeed04.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4066\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Broadcast seeding with a tractor followed immediately by using a cultipacker to increase soil contact<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" data-attachment-id=\"4069\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/mowprairie7_04\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/MowPrairie7_04.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"640,480\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"MowPrairie7_04\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Mowing to knock back the quick growing &amp;#8216;weedy&amp;#8217; and invasive plant species&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/MowPrairie7_04.jpeg\" data-id=\"4069\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/MowPrairie7_04.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4069\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mowing to knock back the quick growing &#8216;weedy&#8217; and invasive plant species<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"600\" data-attachment-id=\"4068\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/geneburn2a_2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/GeneBurn2a_2.jpeg\" data-orig-size=\"480,600\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"GeneBurn2a_2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Burning to promote native species growth, push back invasives, and remove accumulating biomass&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/GeneBurn2a_2.jpeg\" data-id=\"4068\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/files\/2024\/02\/GeneBurn2a_2.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4068\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Burning to promote native species growth, push back invasives, and remove accumulating biomass<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">The &#8216;3-step process&#8217; of prairie establishment: Seeding, mowing, and prescribed fire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2009, the Heath Creek section of the Natural Lands began to see its first of several restorations when a parcel of agricultural land devoted to corn production was restored to deciduous forest. In the last growing season before restoration, the field was converted to soybean agriculture to allow nitrogen levels to increase and remnant biomass from previous years of corn to degrade. Following harvest, the invasive Siberian elm trees (<em>Ulmus pumila<\/em>) surrounding the planting were girdled to inhibit seed spread into the restoration; This had limited success, likely due to the seeds already being established in the soil. Direct seeding followed, along with a light disking to increase germination and decrease predation. Two rounds of mowing were performed in the following years to help control annual weeds including lamb&#8217;s-quarters (<em>Chenopodium album<\/em>) and ragweed (<em>Ambrosia artemisiifolia<\/em>). Further management included the treating of creeping (Canada) thistle (<em>Cirsium arvense<\/em>) populations as they appeared, as well as stump-treating buckthorn (<em>Rhamnus cathartica<\/em>) populations around the edges of the planting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the same year, Professor Kathy Shea took over as Curator of Natural Lands upon the retirement of Gene Bakko. Kathy had been involved with the Natural Lands since its inception, especially involving the restoration of woodlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2010&#8217;s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2017 direct seeding restoration in Heath Creek used very similar methods to the 2009 restoration, save for this restoration being the first to include a climate-adapted planting. The species list for this restoration included Kentucky coffee tree (<em>Gymnocladus dioicus<\/em>) and swamp white oak (<em>Quercus bicolor<\/em>) among many others. These species will help mitigate the effects of climate change on the plots as they are proven to be resilient to warmer temperatures. In essence, planting these species facilitates the northern movement of populations that will happen naturally over time due to the changing climate conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2020&#8217;s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2021, Wes Braker (&#8217;18) was hired as Natural Lands Manager, thanks to another generous gift from Donald Nelson. Professor Charles Umbanhowar took over as Curator of Natural Lands that same year with the impending retirement of Kathy Shea. The position title was redesignated as Director of Natural Lands. Charles and Wes have considerable Natural Lands experience and expertise in restoration ecology. (See <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/curator-of-natural-lands\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"884\">Natural Lands Faculty and Staff<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In October 2021, St. Olaf College received a generous donation of approximately 30 acres of land from Post Consumer Brands. This land, which was directly adjacent to the existing Heath Creek forest owned by the college, was, in turn, designated a Natural Lands area. In 2022, the outer edge of the land that was previously used for agriculture was seeded, using similar methods of previous Heath Creek restorations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2023, a large portion of the farmland devoted to James Farm (9 acres) was converted to prairie, the first proper prairie restoration in over 20 years. This was the last piece of agricultural land immediately adjacent to the Natural Lands. The land has been under a no-till regime for the past 2 decades, allowing soil health and quality to improve compared to traditional agriculture. Following the fall harvest of soybeans, two restoration-oriented research plots were established: one to examine little bluestem (<em>Schizachyrium scoparium<\/em>) and another for wood betony (<em>Pedicularis canadensis<\/em>). The first order of business was the burning of the small strip of land between the field and the nearby paved bike trail to remove the existing non-native grass species. The tile lines, an underground water removal system commonly used in agriculture, were removed via excavation. This will likely result in the south-eastern portion of the restoration and South Eaves pond becoming wetter. Over 125 native prairie species were then hand-spread over the land. At least 30 of these species did not exist elsewhere in the restored prairie. For reference, some of the first prairie restorations of the Natural Lands used only 35-45 species of seed total, while remnant prairies can have over 300 plant species per square mile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2026, the remainder of the land received from Post Consumer Brands will be restored to deciduous forest. <\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;As with many good ideas, serendipity played a part in the development of the Natural Lands. This involved a student project, the location siting of a new dormitory, the destruction [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4679,"featured_media":0,"parent":2959,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3432","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3432","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4679"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3432"}],"version-history":[{"count":144,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3432\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4285,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3432\/revisions\/4285"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2959"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/naturallands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3432"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}