FRIENDS OF PRAIRIE CREEK

In 2015, students of St. Olaf Professor Kathy Shea--Eliza Madden, Taylor Bokman,Rachel Eckert, and Allison Bender--interviewed Don Nelson, the former owner of the Engeseth-Rinde Site, and his sister Joann Bell.  They wanted to learn more about the history of the site and how it came to be part of the Prairie Creek WMA.  Don and Joann shared stories about their connection to the land, including memories their family’s visits to the farm, a train ride from Minneapolis to Nerstrand to purchase a new car, and how Don acquired the farm.

 

Don also discussed his desire for the farmland to be converted to prairie, a native ecosystem in southern Minnesota.  Listen to the story below to learn more.