BMAP | Walk with a Naturalist- Shea Wetland

The Shea Prairie property is part of the 833-acre Mounds View Grassland complex owned and managed by The Prairie Enthusiasts. It is bisected by a cold-water trout stream and has remnant prairie, spring seeps, a fen, restored prairie and wetlands. Originally, the entire area supported only prairie and sedge meadow plant communities, but it was converted to agriculture after European settlement. Extensive tiles installed to drain wetlands were finally removed when the wetlands were restored in 2012. The restoration work also involved removing post-European settlement alluvium from some wetland areas, restoring straightened areas of stream to their original channels and restoring native vegetation. This continuing plant community work includes prescribed burns, invasive species removal, native species planting and seeding. A 2016 survey identified 118 native plant species at Shea, making it one of the most diverse restored wetlands in the state. Snacks and water will be provided.