With community help, master naturalists Rosy Albers and Kathy Don Carlos are implementing a “native prairie trek” in Laporte.
“We planted over 100 species of natural prairie plants. Most of them are flowers, and maybe 5 to 10% are grasses,” Albers explained.
Trinity Lutheran Church of Laporte agreed to convert a quarter-acre of its property for the project.
“It’s the whole backyard of our church,” she said.
The church council also set aside $4,000 for expenses.
The goals of the prairie landscaping are to benefit local wildlife, like pollinators and birds, to reduce runoff to nearby Garfield Lake and to grow into a natural planting that’s appreciated by Laporte residents and visitors.
Eventually, there will be a 75-foot, asphalt, handicap-accessible walking path to and from a picnic table at the center. Cal Marjamaa, an engineer, helped with the pathway’s design.
“We don’t have the walkway through it yet,” Albers said. “The prairie is just starting.”
Work actually began in summer 2021.
Before they could plant anything, they had to kill the existing lawn.
“We didn’t want to use herbicides because we’re close to Garfield Lake. We didn’t want any runoff or any problem with the groundwater,” Albers said.
Instead, they placed black landscape fabric over the entire turf.
“Luckily, we had these wonderful kids from YouthWorks, a nondenominational, Christian organization, that come every summer to help people in the community,” Albers recalled. “They put it on for us. It took a couple days. And we left it on for an entire year.”
Biology students from Laporte School removed the fabric in Sept. 2022.
“We gave them the fabric so they can start another prairie up by the school,” Albers said.
Science teacher Dale Klingenberg said he has been in conversation with Hubbard County Soil & Water Conservation District about a school prairie, but nothing has come of it, so far.
Soil analysis, seed adviceAlbers and Don Carlos consulted with the University of Minnesota on soil conditions and with several Minnesota companies specializing on the type of seed to plant, site preparation and maintenance.
During summer 2022, over 30 native shrubs were ordered and planted in the forest edge between the site and the lake. “Protectors were placed around each shrub to keep the deer and rabbits away. They will be removed in summer 2023,” Alber said.
In Oct. 22, they applied potash to the area since U of M soil tests revealed a deficit of potassium.
“We measured rainfall or snow until we had received 1 inch to make sure the potash was absorbed into the soil,” reported Albers.
The mix of prairie grasses and flower seeds were hand sown in Nov. 2022.
“We decided to order seeds from the Prairie Moon Company in Winona. They were helpful in directing us as to when to plant and how to plant,” according to Albers. That cost was $700.
And now they wait.
“Next year, we should see a lot of stuff coming up,” Albers said.
In the meantime, they are controlling invasive weeds, like tansy, thistle and spotted knapweed.
They again collaborated with Laporte School. This time, with industrial arts teacher Stanley Townsdin.
His manufacturing class crafted a sign for the future prairie.
Each of the nine students submitted a computer-generated design for consideration, Albers said. Eleanor Kordiak had the winning vision.
Contributed/Rosy Albers
Townsdin said, “They welded the frame together for the sign and used our CNC router to cut the sign out of cedar. The students put a coat of outdoor sealant on the sign and then installed the sign.”
Using a post hole digger and quick-dry concrete, they erected the sign next to the prairie in May 2023.
“I really think the kids enjoy coming down and seeing their work,” Albers said. “It’s been great.”
The sign can be removed, she added, “because every three years we have to burn the prairie, just like it happens in the actual prairies.”
The Laporte Fire Department has agreed to manage the controlled burn.
The duo is asking the community for donations.
They’ve already received “generous donations” from the Garfield Lake Ice Racers, Popple Bar and Grill, Walker Building Center, Forestedge Winery, Laporte-Benedict Lions Club and Northern Industries.
Several individuals have also made donations.
“It’s really been fun,” Albers said. “We’ve been so impressed with the way people support us.”
Donors who contribute $250 or more will be recognized on a plaque in the Trinity Fellowship Hall.
To get involved or contribute, contact Albers at ralbers2@msn.com.
