Noon August 22 to 4pm August 23rd

by Jeff Zajac

Registration for the 2023 Grassland Restoration Network in Windom, Minnesota is open now until August 10. 

The meeting will take place August 22^nd and 23^rd and will visit a variety of prairie reconstructions in southwest Minnesota. 

A variety of management techniques including haying, grazing, and prescribed burning have been employed in the management of these sites, and interseeding of forb seed and interplanting of forb plugs has also been undertaken on two of them.  One site was seeded with a sculptured seeding approach that utilized GPS technology to place different the different seed mixes in their respective locations. 

Two sites have also been utilized in formal research efforts.  In a nutshell a wide variety of reconstruction practices have been implemented which will provide for a wide ranging discussion.  In addition the monarch migration should be at its peak so we may be treated to a good show on the blazingstars within the plantings.

The meeting will begin at noon on the 22^nd and end by 4 PM on the 23^rd, although those interested in staying an additional day can tour an oak savanna restoration along the Minnesota River on the 24th. 

Transportation to sites will be via carpooling. There is a $9 fee to pay for a box lunch on the second day of the meeting, otherwise there are no other fees.  A food truck will be available the evening of the 22^nd at a social meeting open to attendees who can either purchase from the food truck or choose to dine elsewhere before or after the meeting.  Lodging and all other meals will be at the attendees expense.  Attendance is limited to the first 80 registrants. 

For more information or to register please email Minnesota DNR area wildlife Manager Jeff Zajac at Jeffrey.zajac@state.mn.us and he will then contact you to make final arrangements and provide information on lodging and dining options.  Hope to see you all in late August!