In 2012 I published some photos of a well-known prairie that had become over-run with smooth and staghorn sumac (Rhus spp.). One of these photos is shown here. See this…

Yesterday with the interns I was discussing the concept of C values (Coefficient of Conservatism).  C values are widely used in restoration ecology when deciding whether a site merits restoration…

The photos accompanying this report of an escape fire incident are surprising and instructive. Who knew a UTV could be so flammable? Screen shot from the Facilitated Learning Analysis of…

Pleasant Valley Conservancy spring burn summary: 2014 and 2015 Area burned: 2014: 82.5 acres 2015: 90.6 acres Burn designation Type of area burned Date: 2014 Acres Date: 2015 Acres Prairie/savanna…

Readers of this blog may be aware of the problems we have with invasive sunflowers, members of the genus Helianthus. Our biggest problems are the various woodland sunflower species, especially…

We were favored again at Pleasant Valley Conservancy in 2015 with the expert bird surveys by Roma Lenehan. She did her first bird survey at PVC in 2008 and has…

Wild quinine (Parthenium integrifolium; sometimes called "American feverfew") is having a banner year at Pleasant Valley Conservancy. This plant, listed by the USDA as Endangered in Minnesota and Maryland, Threatened…

There is a lot of invasive brush removed in our area by volunteers. For scattered shrubs, hand loppers often work best, often as a two-person job, one on the loppers,…

Woodland sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus) is definitely an invasive species and can take over prairies, savannas, pastures, and even backyards. I get questions about how to control it. The only way…

This summer promises to be a fine one at Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie. The great spring burns and the consistent June rainfall have combined to bring along outstanding floral displays.…