Prairie Partners of Eau Claire

10/07/2026

One of the most valuable (and easiest) things we can all do to support pollinators, invertebrates, and other species is provide the winter cover they need: fallen leaves and stems from dead plants! 🌻

Were you thinking about all the yard work you have to do before the snow flies?

Well, we are here to take two things off your list!

One of the most valuable (and easiest) things you can do to support pollinators, invertebrates, and other wildlife is to provide them with the winter cover they need: fallen leaves and standing dead plant material.

Many butterflies, moths, and other insects utilize leaf litter as their overwintering habitat. In addition to all the great benefits for wildlife, leaf litter also serves as free mulch that suppresses w**ds and fertilizes the soil as it decomposes. Another thing you can do is leave the stems of your plants standing throughout the winter. The seed heads will provide seeds to birds that spend the winter with us, and the dead stems of your plants provide a safe space for cavity-nesting bees throughout the winter.

So this fall, leave the leaves and save the stems of your plants!

Let's work together to redefine what a beautiful landscape is! In our eyes, the most beautiful landscapes support the most wildlife.

We also want to note that “leave the leaves” does not necessarily mean ignoring them and leaving them where they fall. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency urges people to clean up leaves that have fallen on streets, sidewalks, and other hardscapes where they can wash into stormwater systems and end up in lakes, streams, and rivers. They note that when leaves from whole cities or neighborhoods wash into a body of water through a stormwater system, the volume of organic matter can overwhelm that body of water. The leaves’ nutrients feed algae growth, which decomposes and uses up oxygen that fish and native plants need in Minnesota’s waterways.

If you live in a suburban or urban area, we encourage you to clean up your leaves that have fallen along your curb and sidewalk throughout the fall and use the leaves as mulch throughout your yard. Also, if you are worried about leaves smothering your lawn, rake up the leaves and use them as mulch in your garden beds.

Share to spread the word! &

10/03/2026

Fall is the perfect time to plant native asters! 🌼

07/10/2026

We're so thankful to our volunteers from Western Dairyland's Fresh Start Program for taking the lead on a great trail improvement project this week! Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council

Most of you know our Boyd Park prairie work, but did you also know that Prairie Partners maintains the river walk (Fairway Trail): removing invasive species, picking up litter, clearing fallen trees?

06/24/2026

Attention photographers: Please, please, when taking photos in the Boyd Park prairie, keep your clients on the mowed paths. Don’t walk into the flowers/long grasses.

We love that so many photographers have discovered the prairie! Please help us preserve this precious land for everyone to enjoy. Clients stepping on plants kills the plants.

A recent photography session trampled this butterfly w**d (along with several other plants). Butterfly w**d is a favorite of monarchs and other species. This one should be in full, glorious bloom right now rather than crushed and dying.

As a small group of neighborhood volunteers that maintains Boyd Park, we need your help. Thank you!

06/23/2026

See you in the prairie 🌿

05/27/2026

Walk through the prairie and learn how to identify some native species. How many can you find?

05/03/2026

Join us this Tuesday, May 5, for our first volunteer workgroup of the season in the Boyd Park prairie. We'll be there starting at 5:30pm and will stay until sundown. No experience necessary. Everyone welcome!