Native Prairie Restoration

The Rice Soil & Water Conservation District has selected Wild Ones Southeast Minnesota Prairie Partners as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Conservationist Award. The award recognizes the chapter’s efforts to promote native plants, support pollinator habitat, and provide conservation education throughout Rice County.

A new pocket of prairie habitat is taking root at Jefferson Elementary School in Faribault, creating a space where students, pollinators, and the community can grow together.

This spring, more than 800 third-grade students throughout Rice County had the opportunity to learn about pollinators, native plants, and prairie habitat through the Rice Soil & Water Conservation District’s (SWCD) Pocket of Prairie Program. Now in its fourth year, the program continues to connect students with hands-on conservation education while encouraging families to create small pollinator-friendly spaces at home and at school.

The Rice Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) collaborated with several organizations to bring the joy of planting prairie to around 800 third-grade students across Rice County as part of its expanding Pocket of Prairie Program. Originally launched in 2023, the program is a hands-on conservation education effort designed to teach children the importance of native prairies and pollinators.