Environmental Science Students Bring Native Prairie to Campus

September 4, 2026

Environmental Science students are getting their hands dirty in an effort to restore a piece of prairie habitat on the Perpich campus.

(Photo credit: Derek Debrauske. Felix McGruder, left (Visual Arts 2027) and Kaz Hoenack, right (Visual Arts 2027) hold a Spartina pectinata (the green, grassy one)

This week, students transplanted four species of native grasses (Prairie Cordgrass, Switchgrass, American Reedgrass, and Wheat Sedge) into the campus rain garden. The project is designed to simulate a wet-prairie environment while transforming a previously eroded section of lawn into a thriving habitat.

“Grasses are the foundation to prairie habitat, creating structure above and belowground,” said Derek Debrauske, Science Instructor. “Trees are to forests as grasses are to prairies.”

The rain garden serves several purposes beyond beautifying the campus. As the prairie plants become established, students hope the area will help filter rainwater, create a drought-tolerant habitat for plants and animals, and build healthier soil.

Prairies are among the most diverse ecosystems in North America, but they have become increasingly endangered as agricultural development has reduced native grasslands. Through the restoration project, Perpich students are helping bring a small piece of this important ecosystem back to campus.

Some of the aforementioned grasses can be found on this beautiful diagram by Living Habitats.

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