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Science Update

Science Update archive
April 1, 2008

Phil Gerla presenting at 2008 Glacial Ridge Science Conference
Phil Gerla presenting at 2008 Glacial Ridge
Science Conference. Photo © USFWS

 

Glacial Ridge Science Conference 2008

In September 2000, The Nature Conservancy purchased Tilden Farms, a 24,500-acre tract of agricultural land that straddles beach ridges of Glacial Lake Agassiz, formed about 10,000 years ago.

The Glacial Ridge Project site offered a means to connect and greatly expand several thousand acres of important and well-established conservation lands managed by non-profit, state and federal agencies. Wetland drainage, farming, ranching and aggregate mining during the last 120 years have extensively altered this original tallgrass prairie.

During the last seven years, The Nature Conservancy and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, in association with many other partners, have either reconstructed or restored most of the former wetlands and uplands, making it perhaps the largest-ever prairie restoration. On October 12, 2004, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received deed to 2,300 acres, establishing the 545th National Wildlife Refuge, which will ultimately cover about 35,000 acres.

A meeting held March 6, 2008, brought together more than 70 researchers, scientists, engineers and technical staff involved in this remarkable reconstruction and restoration project. Twenty-two presenters, including Phil Gerla, highlighted the project’s successes and challenges in restoring vegetation, hydrology, soils and fauna. Keynote speakers included Dr. Carter Johnson (South Dakota State University) and Dr. Susan Galatowitsch (University of Minnesota).