Research at Prairie Creek
Prairie Creek WMA is the focus of many social and natural science research. The Engeseth-Rinde Restoration Fund supports social and ecological research to benefit the Prairie Creek WMA.
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In addition, the site is used as a “lab” by faculty and students at nearby Carleton and St. Olaf colleges in Northfield.
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Professor Kim Smith (Carleton College) uses the site in her introductory environmental studies course. Students have investigated the natural and social history of the site, as well as doing surveys of the plant and animal species found there. Much of the material on this website was created by these Carleton students.
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Professor Kathy Shea (St. Olaf) uses the Engeseth-Rinde site to do research on agroecology. Her students have produced research that is being used by the Department of Natural Resources to create a conservation plan for the site.
Carleton College also hosts a digital archive, open to the public, of materials related to the natural and social history of Prairie Creek WMA.
To learn more about the research being conducted at Prairie Creek, contact Kim Smith (ksmith@carleton.edu).