Surrounded by fields of sunflowers, soybeans, sugar beets and grains, Malmberg Prairie Preserve is a vivid reminder to visitors that the entire Red River Valley was, at one time, a continuous grassland, except for a few rivers and streams. This prairie never has been cultivated. The same sod that absorbed the hoof prints of the buffalo remains intact today with its native grasses. It stands alone as a lone sentinel of the region's past.
Mounds of dirt, first created by colonies of the prairie pocket gopher, sporadically break up this grassland. Today, reptiles and amphibians use these same mounds for shelter.
Southwestern From Crookston, drive south on U.S. Highway 75 for eight and one-half miles until you reach the intersection with Polk County Road 45, just outside of Eldred. Turn right on Polk County Road 45 and travel two-and-one-half miles to the intersection with County Road 56. Turn right, and drive two-and-one-half miles north. You will see The Nature Conservancy signs posted at the southwest corner of the preserve.
Or, from Crookston, drive west eight miles on County Road 9 from where it intersects with U.S. 75. Then, turn left at the intersection with County Road 56 and continue for two miles to reach the northwest corner of the preserve.
Malmberg Prairie is home to several rare plants the State of Minnesota is concerned about, including the small white lady's slipper, the closed gentian and Hall's sedge.
The closed gentian is one of many native plants that offer seasonal color. This two-foot-tall plant produces dozens of blue flowers in the fall. The wild prairie rose sports five bright prink petals clustered around yellow stamens in its center, and towering above it are Maximilian sunflower's bright yellow flowers. There are also the showy white flowers of northern bedstraw and Heath's aster.
Of the prairie's many grasses, big and little bluestem are the most common. Mat muhly and cordgrass also can be found.
The distinctive "voo-hoo-hoo" of the male short-eared owl's territorial song can be heard in the late evening. This yellow-eyed owl with a dark bill is one of three species of concern living on this 80-acre prairie. A small grassland bird, sharp-tailed sparrow, and the mice-like prairie vole are the other two.
In all, Malmberg Prairie is home to 22 bird species, seven mammal species and four amphibian species.
Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
The Nature Conservancy had a rare opportunity with Malmberg Prairie to preserve and protect this rare gem - an original prairie - for future generations.
The Conservancy believes that working in partnership with others accomplishes more than working alone. How the Conservancy learned about this prairie demonstrates the power of that philosophy. If it wasn't for the quick action of a Polk County extension agent who thought about the Conservancy when he saw this prairie, it might have been lost.
What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
College students use this preserve, which also is a scientific area, for research. Because it is an original prairie that never has been plowed, there is much we can learn from it.