A Family’s Journey to Conservation
Craig Koester, a current St. Paul resident, spent his childhood in Northfield, where his family owned and farmed the land that we now know as the Prairie Creek Wildlife Management Area. Growing up with this seemingly vast grassland that backed up to the “big woods” fed his sense of wonder and instilled in him a passion for conservation. Craig views stewardship as a sacred responsibility for current and future generations. As time progressed and his parents passed on, his family was confronted with a serious question. What do they do with the land?
The land was historically used for farming, but he and his siblings had no interest in pursuing agriculture. It’s important to note that these native prairie and oak savannah habitats have been disappearing at alarming rates in Minnesota and globally. These habitats are crucial for maintaining biodiversity. The Koester family eagerly sought the advice of conservation experts, determined to preserve the land for future generations to enjoy. In 2014, the Koester family worked with The Trust for Public Land and the Minnesota DNR to designate it as a wildlife management area.
Caring for a wildlife management area takes a great deal of effort and collaboration. Clean River Partners, Minnesota DNR, and Friends of Prairie Creek WMA work together to secure grant funding for continuous habitat restoration. These days, Craig enjoys hosting groups on the site like birders, master naturalists, students from Carleton College and St. Olaf College, and local environmental nonprofits. He said his favorite activities at the Koester Prairie are patrolling for invasive species and collecting native seeds. It is important to him that this place remains accessible to the public, allowing people to renew, learn about our natural heritage, and explore.
For those who want to preserve their land, Craig suggests seeking resources from organizations such as Clean River Partners, the Minnesota DNR, and the Trust for Public Land. Various options are available depending on the land and the family's continued level of involvement. These groups can help determine the best fit for your needs. Craig has found that conservation requires a significant amount of local investment, and having the support of our organization was crucial. Clean River Partners plays a key role in encouraging community involvement and educating the public about the connection between water and land.
In June 2023, we held a public dedication event to celebrate the recent 138-acre addition to Prairie Creek Wildlife Management Area. Hosting events like these are an excellent way to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and restoring habitats, as well as to engage with the community on how to do this work. Many of our habitat protection and restoration projects are supported by funding from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, as provided by the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Appropriations are approved by the Minnesota Legislature as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
