Description
It’s easy to understand why this prairie was named Makoce Washte, which means “beautiful earth.” From the violet blues of the pasqueflower in April to the purple mid-summer tint of the leadplant to the white petals of the tall white aster in October, it always is in bloom.
This small preserve stands in stark contrast to the farmland surrounding it. Its rich diversity of plant life is a genetic storehouse.
Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
Makoce Washte provided an opportunity for the Conservancy to preserve and protect a land that sustained many rare species, such as the regal fritillary and Ottoe skipper butterflies.
What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
For more than 20 years, the Conservancy has encouraged a variety of research at this site, ranging from the feeding habits of small mammals to the life cycles of flowering plants. This work has furthered our understanding of many of the plans and animals that make up a prairie community.