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Restoring prairie fens  
As we realize just how rare prairie fens and the species in them are and how many are threatened, many groups are undertaking prairie fen restoration. After determining that you may have a degraded or high quality prairie fen, the next step is to assess what types of management need to be done to either restore or maintain the habitat. The range of activities include: removal and management of invasive species, restoration of groundwater hydrology, and re-introduction of fire. These factors are interrelated. For example, removal of invasives may not lead to re-establishment of native plants if hydrology has shifted or there is persistent pollution entering the fen. For this reason, it is best to have someone who knows prairie fens well come assess an area to develop a plan before beginning restoration activity.
Restoring prairie fen.
Restoration resources
Department of Natural Resources Landowner Incentive Program

Natural Resources Conservation Service Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

The Nature Conservancy – contact your state office if you have land that you might be willing to cooperate with The Nature Conservancy to manage.

Plant Identification Resources
Amateur to advanced: Newcomb’s wildflower guide
Advanced: Michigan Flora series by Edward G. Voss

Prairie Fen Information
Exploring the Prairie Fen Wetlands of Michigan. View sample pages or open the order form.

Non-native invasives: Michigan Invasive Species Network
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Information prepared by Anna Fiedler and Doug Landis, MSU Department of Entomology. Funding support: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Lynn and Thelma MacCready Forest and Wildlife Endowment, MSU, and Hanes Trust of the Michigan Botanical Club.

Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, The Stewardship Network, Michigan DNR Landowner Incentive Program. Web developer: J.N. Landis and Andrea Gooch. MSU IPM Program. Read disclaimer

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Updated: 02/24/10