Macalester's prairie has two easily distinguished zone: the sandy bottom, and the drier area above
it. In the bottom,
the sand covers between twelve and fifteen inches. Under this sand is
very moist soil, necessitating the use of prairie plants adapted to
wet, rather than dry environments.
The plants along the drier upper region of the Macalester prairie grow
well in different areas due to characteristics of the northern, eastern,
southern,
and western
sections of the Macalester site. In larger prairie sites, much more
drastic differences can be observed in the distribution of plants than
can be seen in the Macalester site.
To explore the pieces of the Macalester prairie site in more detail,
please click that section of the picture above, or click on the name of
that section in the paragraphs above, or here: East North West South Bottom
About Purpose History Intern
Last updated: 8/21/06