Seed Collection at Lost Valley Prairie State Natural Area
Astraeus Foundation members joined the Minnesota DNR's Site Stewards for a fall seed collection event at Lost Valley Prairie State Natural Area (SNA). The SNA covers about 320 acres of prairie in Denmark Township, near Hastings. It protects rare bedrock bluff prairie that provides habitat for several state-threatened plant and animal species. The site also helps keep the nearby St. Croix River clean, since intermittent streams that cross it deliver naturally filtered water to the river. Over four hours, we contributed 16 combined volunteer hours hand-collecting seed from native species including Indiangrass, Big Bluestem, Leadplant, Thimbleweed, Mountain Mint, and Gray-Headed Coneflower. That seed will support future prairie restoration and replanting.
Minnesota Master Naturalists Sarah, Steve, and Jim helped us identify plants and understand how the prairie ecosystem fits together, giving us a deeper appreciation for the site and the purpose behind the work. The Site Stewards host work days at the SNA every month, with volunteers helping with invasive species removal, seed collection, and planting.
Native Prairie Planting at Fort Ridgely State Park
Volunteers from our organization participated in a habitat restoration event at Fort Ridgely State Park, contributing to ongoing efforts to restore and enhance the park’s native prairie ecosystem. Working alongside Great River Greening staff and community members, our team helped plant a variety of native species in a recently restored prairie area. These efforts support increased biodiversity, strengthen the resilience of the landscape, and help preserve the unique oak savanna and prairie habitats found along the Minnesota River Valley.
Throughout the event, volunteers received guidance and hands-on training, ensuring that each planting activity was both effective and environmentally responsible. By dedicating their time and energy, our team played a direct role in advancing long-term conservation goals for the park. Their work not only improved the health of the ecosystem but also demonstrated our organization’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Loeb Lake
Our foundation proudly volunteered at the Winter Seeding of Loeb Lake in Marydale Park in partnership with Great River Greening. Once a toxic waste dump site in the early 1900s, the lake is now an active restoration area working toward long-term ecological health.
Volunteers seeded deep-rooted native plants to reduce erosion, improve water filtration, and support pollinators and wildlife. Because the lake functions as a stormwater catchment basin, strengthening its native plant community helps protect groundwater quality and ensures a healthier environment for the future.
