To the editor,

I’d like to draw your attention to a group of incredible volunteers making a difference right here in River Falls! The St. Croix Chapter of “The Prairie Enthusiasts” (TPE) recently celebrated 30 years of meeting their mission, “to preserve, protect, and maintain the native prairies and savannas in our area.” If you’ve explored the natural areas in and around River Falls, you have likely witnessed the results of three decades of TPE’s steadfast work.

Their activities include restoring and burning prairies, harvesting seeds, removing invasive species, identifying/protecting native plant species (including rare plants and those threatened and/or classified as “special concern”), and eagerly educating the public.

Work sites in River Falls include: Foster Conservation Area and the Rocky Branch Oak Savanna. Just outside the city limits you will find the 43-acre Alexander Oak Savanna (4 miles south of River Falls on Highway 65). These sites are all open to the public and under continual

TPE care.

Last summer, TPE member Dr. Robert Marquis conducted a study monitoring bat activity in River Hills Park, along the Kinnickinnic River. His work documented five different species of bats along the Kinni, including two threatened species and two of “special concern.”

Another TPE side project in the last year included the burning and reseeding of a quarter acre oak savanna at Rocky Branch Elementary School.

Interested in getting involved? Meet TPE at Earth Fest, from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25 at UWRF. Join a family friendly butterfly hunt at Alexander Oak Savanna from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 30. Volunteer and/or donate! Email the TPE Contact, Evanne Hunt at

Evanne.Hunt@outlook.com or find the St. Croix Chapter of TPE online at: https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/

Ben Toppel

River Falls