to download the Pipestone National Monument 75th Edition.

8 – PIPESTONE COUNTY STAR THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012SUSTAINING THE SACRED,By Mavis FodnessPRESERVING THE PRAIRIEThousands of years ago, the landscapearound Pipestone was covered in varyinghues of 2-to-6-foot tall prairie grasses,stretching as far as the eye could see. Notrees obstructed the view, allowing a clearprospect of the natural rock outcroppings.The Pipestone National Monument wasdeveloped in 1937 to conserve a small partof that view seen by American Indians andlater by European settlers to the Pipestonearea.“The tall grass prairie is 99 percent gonedue to development and conversion toagriculture,” said Seth Hendriks, Monumentbiological science technician and actingnational resource program manager.Within the Monument’s 301 acres,Hendriks said 81 acres is designated‘pristine grasslands’ – land geologic studieshave determined has not been disturbed bythe plow. He said these areas look differentthan areas that have been farmed or used asroads.“It’s generally healthier,” Hendriks said.“If we were to lay a meter square down,you might count 20 (plant) species in a onemeter square.”Disturbed prairie lands may only havethree species, he added.An ethnobotany study conducted bythe University of Arizona in 2004 talked tovarious American Indians and practitionersof herbal medicines and provided a list ofnative grasses and herbs found on nativegrasslands. These species are included inWith only 1 percent of tallgrass prairie left in existence, the Pipestone National Monument has 81 out of its 301 acres classified aspristine prairie, and is working to restore and preserve more of the native grasses as a connection between the American Indian andtheir sacred pipestone quarries. Pipestone Publishing/Mavis FodnessPrairieContinued on page 10THANKYOU!THANKYOUfor 75 years of service.Congratson75 Years!Congrats! We appreciateyour dedicationto the PipestoneCommunity!916 4th Avenue SW, Pipestone, MN 56164www.pcmchealth.org | 507-825-5811SOUTHWEST202 8th Avenue SEPipestone, MN 56164(507) 825-0055Heated pool, game room, playground, campfires,hiking, biking, golf & fishing nearby.507-825-2455www.pipestonervcampground.com919 N. Hiawatha Ave. Pipestone, MN 56164Dr. Angela Miller220 W. Main St.Pipestone, MN 56164DYNAMIC HEALTHChiropractic, Ltd.Call 507-825-4225 or888-869-2429 for more informationor to schedule an appointment