NE North Dakota News

The Plum River Native Prairie project in Minot, North Dakota, is adopting a no-till method for its restoration efforts. This initiative, formerly known as Erik Ramstad Middle School before the 2011 flood, involves collaboration with partners like the Ward County Soil Conservation Group, Minnesota Native Landscapes (MNL), and Audubon Great Plains.

Project leaders have outlined several benefits of the no-till approach. They believe it will preserve soil structure by enhancing water infiltration and reducing erosion. It also retains organic matter to improve soil health and support diverse plant life. No-till farming can suppress weed growth by leaving the soil undisturbed, thus reducing herbicide use. It preserves microbial communities crucial for nutrient cycling and plant health while conserving moisture by retaining crop residues on the surface.

The timeline for 2024 includes comprehensive soil testing in spring to lay a successful foundation for the project. A land acknowledgment and dedication ceremony is scheduled during Minot State University’s Powwow Week on April 27 at 11 a.m. Summer will be devoted to preparing 14.2 acres of land for planting in fall using a "no-till drill."

Dan Conn from Minot State University is available for more information about this project at 701-520-9084.

Minot Public Schools, Audubon Great Plains, Ward Soil Conservation District, Minnesota Native Landscapes (MNL), and Minot State University are all involved in this collaborative effort aimed at making a positive environmental impact.