Welcome to Prairie Pothole!
Stoney Meadow Burn
Saturday, May 17th, dawned sunny and clear with minimal wind -- a perfect morning for a controlled prairie burn at Stoney Ridge Farm. Stoney Ridge is the site of Prairie Pothole Day, our chapter’s MWA fundraiser event. Native prairie plantings were carried out several years ago in the meadow where the shotgun events are held, and it was time for a burn to revitalize the native grasses and forbs. Prairie Pothole Chapter members, led by our president, Troy Heck, gathered in force at the venerable Hillcrest Cafe for breakfast and old stories. Then it was off to the Stoney Lake meadow, with drip torches, water bags, and long-handled swatters in tow. With LeRoy Dahlke, chapter member and DNR Area Wildlife Manager leading the way, torches were soon lit and applied next to mowed and plowed fire lanes. Soon the air was filled with smoke, and we were glad we’d notified the neighbors. Many of our members are old hands at managing these burns, and the results were deemed picture-perfect. Now, three weeks later, prairie plants are exploding from the blackened earth and solid green is the view from the ridge overlooking the Stoney Lake meadow. Our sincere thanks to the hard-working chapter members. We are all looking forward to hosting the 26th annual Prairie Pothole Day on September 6th. - By Roger Strand
2nd annual Prairie pothole chapter banquet
About 100 people attended Prairie Pothole Chapter's second annual banquet February 1st at the Kandi Entertainment Center in Willmar, which focused on raising money to support chapter educational events. The chapter's goals were twofold, first increase Chapter membership and second net at least $5000 for three chapter supported events: $1000 for Woodie Camp, $1500 for the annual youth shoot, and $2500 for the Chapter's annual habitat day.
In addition, Gary Leaf spokesman for the Sportsmen for Outdoors Amendment addressed the audience and described the dedicated funding amendment recently passed by the Minnesota Legislature. He also provided an interview with a local TV station and the West Central Tribune newspaper on behalf of the Sportsmen for Outdoors Amendment committee.
The social hour was a time of stories and games as guests shared last falls outdoor adventures and played plinko and clay pigeon toss. Following a buffet supper Brad Nylin, MWA Executive Director, addressed the banquet and updated members, new and old, about Association projects and activities. He finished by sharing the story of Levi Marcotte and how this 13 year old touched the Association and himself this past year. Tragedy killed in an ATV accident days before Woodie Camp Levi's spirit and enthusiasm for the outdoors was honored by the campers building wood duck houses emblazoned with the following - In Memory of Levi Marcotte - Woodie Camp - 2007. The article Legacies of Hope in the Spring issue of the Minnesota Waerfowler describes in detail how 2 people, one being Levi, impacted the association in 2007.
The evening wrapped up in true banquet fashion with guests winning raffles, outbidding each other for silent auction items, and in general having a good time. Once the dust settled, the broken clay pigeons were swept up, and raffle barrels put back into storage it was announced that the banquet was a success. New members had been added to the chapter and enough money had been raised to support educational activities.
Prairie Pothole Day Sponsors - 2007
The success of Prairie Pothole Day over the last quarter century is a testament to the drive and determination of the Chapter to organize a family friendly event that benefits wetland conservation and restoration. While many Chapter members have contributed time and talent to Prairie Pothole Day many more local area residents and businessess have donated facilities, merchandise, and services. THe Prairie Pothole Chapter would like to publicly thank those individuals and organizations that helped make the 25th Prairie Pothole Day a success.
Minnesota Habitat Conservation Topics
The mission of the Prairie Pothole Chapter is to enhance, protect and restore wetland habitat. Over the past 26 years public outreach and education has been an integral part of Chapter activities. Listed below are links to select topics from the Minnesota DNR that the Chapter feels are important to conservation efforts in and around the Willmar, Mn area.
