Exploring the Natural Lands
An in-depth look at the prairie, forest, wetlands and geology that make up the Natural Lands
Photo : "Watercolors" by Evan Pak
Welcome to the St. Olaf Natural Lands
In this project, we explore the various biomes and geologic history of the Natural Lands at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. We invite you to explore the pages on this website about the geologic history and climate, prairies, forests and wetlands. We hope to further engage and inform our community on the Natural Land ecology to connect ourselves to the environment.
Photo credit: Brooke Weigel
A brief history of Minnesota's geologic and glacial history and climate.
Photo: “Sunset Grain” by Ross Grant
Representing a majority of the Natural Lands, prairies are incredible ecosystems with large amounts of species diversity.
Photo credit: Chantel Henderson
Information on the deciduous and coniferous forests in the Natural Lands, their history, and the restoration process.
Photo: "Reflections" by Zoe Plechaty
Representing the aquatic regions of the Natural Lands, home to abundant biodiversity and ecosystem functions.