Each of the 100-square-foot plots grew from 1 to 24 native prairie species.

But prairie species like little bluestem and sheep's fescue can flourish in parking lots and along old rail lines, even in Manhattan.

The preserve features a group of cedar glades which harbor rare prairie species, surrounded by forests on all sides.

The prairie species are a remnant of a rare ecosystem, which has found refuge on the dry, rocky openings in this part of the state.

This diversity of habitat brings with it a wealth of wildlife, both woodland and prairie species.

Short-grass prairie species include little bluestem, buffalo grass, western wheatgrass, sand dropseed, ringgrass, needle-and-thread, Junegrass, and galleta.

The plant species mix is unique: common Appalachian plants along with prairie species such as prairie rocket, Indian grass and little bluestem.

In modern times the prairie species found refuge on the dry, rocky openings in this part of the state.

He told me about chewing on a little sliver of the greenish-black root of E. angustifolia, the narrow-leafed, purple prairie species, in Minnesota.

But some environmentalists argue that coyotes, by preying on rodents, contribute enough to the balance of prairie species that the loss of some sheep is tolerable.