Human Reliance on Plentiful Prairies

Compass PlantWhat kind of name is compass

for a plant? The large leaves at the bottom of this plant are aligned north and south which early travelers would use to gain their bearings. Native Americans also

found this plant useful but for very different reasons. They would use the sap from this plant to sweeten

their breath and clean their teeth.

Sandhill CraneSandhill Cranes are one of only two species of cranes found in North America. Due to their large size they were frequently hunted and during the 1800s they were on the brink of extinction. In 1916 the Migratory Bird Treaty Act was enacted to protect the remaining population of sandhill cranes. Currently populations are flourishing in Wisconsin due to habitat enhancement. Can you hear any of their clacketty-clack and bugling calls?

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Steve Emmons

Prairie Coneflower

This vibrant yellow coneflower is common among prairies and woodlots. Native Americans would cultivate this flower to use as a dye and brew as a tea.

Courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Digital Library

Courtesy of U.S. EPA - Visualizing the Great Lakes

Courtesy of U.S. EPA - Visualizing the Great Lakes

Courtesy of Cortney Adair

Prairies abundant life were important sources of food and medicine for Native Americans, Early Europeans, and even people today. However many prairies have been lost due to urban development and agriculture. Promote and protect these fragile communities by creating your own prairie or supporting your local prairie.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and BlueCanoe

White False Indigo Why is this white flower named after the color blue? Once the showy flowers dry up, a blue dye develops. Early settlers and Native Americans would use this dye for clothing.

Greater Prairie ChickenThe greater prairie chicken

are distinct to North American grasslands. These birds were once

frequently hunted for food and sport. Converting vast prairies into

farm land and market hunting led to their demise. Currently they are

carefully managed in central Wisconsin. Courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Digital Library