Every idea starts with curiosity and a question. For Alice Berquist, her concern about the undesirable highway grass behind her house led her to ask, “How could this habitat be better?”
Alice is a longtime neighbor of Dodge’s Marie Property, located across the street from the Main Property in West St. Paul. Quiet and remote, the Marie Property’s 40 acres is a peaceful destination to hike and an excellent ecosystem to view native woodland flowers.
Alice Berquist strolling through the restored prairie on the Main Property.
Seven years ago, Alice acted on her idea. She rallied her neighbors to contribute funds for a joint prairie restoration project on the land adjacent to their properties and Dodge's Marie Property. Buildings and Grounds Director Sean Gokey oversaw the project with Landbridge Ecological, a local landscape restoration company, and the work began.
The project bloomed into more than a benefit for the land and wildlife.
A common yellow swallowtail butterfly at the Marie Property. Captured by Alice Berquist.
“It’s become an opportunity to learn what’s growing and how we can better care for this space,” Alice shares. “I wanted to learn the names of the flowers and what they bring [to the ecosystem].” The neighbors have learned more about native plants and animals, too.
Alice now sees the impact of her action. In the years since native plants have taken root, she’s noticed more birds, bees, and butterflies in their backyard and on Dodge’s property.
A bumblebee perched on a black-eyed Susan at the Marie Property. Captured by Alice Berquist.
“I really love what it’s become,” Alice says. “I try to go out every day for a walk. It lifts my spirits.”
You can make a meaningful gift online to grow Dodge’s restoration efforts.
This article was originally published in the Nourish Your Need for Nature Newsletter, Fall/Winter 2024.