THE DONKERS' HOMESTEAD:
Forest, prairie, and wetland habitats
The Donkers' homestead does not require the use of restoration because the native habitats of the area still exist, however maintenance and upkeep is required to allow for continued conservation.
The homestead has a fairly rich history of environmental stewardship in the form of conservation of forest, prairie, and wetlands habitats, however portions of the land have been used for other purposes. Previous owners have logged sections of the land in addition to using a small portion of the prairie/oak savanna as pasture (Donkers 2004). Insight to this allows an individual to connect with what the land temporally, knowing which parts have persisted for hundreds of years and which parts have been altered by humans.
Wetland bordered by Marsh Marigolds & forest floor covered with Bloodroot
The Donkers' homestead is a peaceful, varied landscape in northeast Rice County. The site consists of 40 acres of remnant wet prairie, which leads into oak savanna and maple-basswood forest, with a wetland basin at the low depression area (Donkers 2004).
- There are many unique species and habitats found on the Donkers' homestead. The native wet, or tall grass prairie, is found in wetland and riparian regions, including the grasses Big bluestem, Indian grass, Blue joint grass, and Tussock Sedge. Wildflowers found in the prairie and associated wetlands include Wild bergamot, Mountain mint, Black eye-susan, Blue vervain, Marsh marigold, and Lady Slipper.
- Oak savanna is transition area between forest and prairie, containing elements of both habitats. A transition area between prairie and forest is the oak savanna. Grasses and wildflowers grow amongst Bur Oak and Pin Oak (Prairie Restorations, Inc).
- Depression, or basin wetlands occur in areas lower in elevation than their surroundings. They are the most dominant wetland in Minnesota and frequent the southern half of the state, collecting water from surface runoff and groundwater sources (Hammer 1992). These habitats require maintenance to keep them in their conserved state.
Buckthorn stumps after they have been cut and sprayed along with the pile of dead vegetation
Every year the Donkers employ, with the aid of Prairie Restorations, Inc., herbicide and fire treatment to control invasive species such as Buckthorn and Reed Canary Grass. In the spring and fall invasives are cut and sprayed with an inhibitor whereas burning only occurs during spring season (Prairie Restorations, Inc.). The maintenance of a conserved land is takes time, work, and energy. It does not exist without care and management, and therefore cannot be taken for granted.