Site History

Prairie History

Prairie Facts

References

Plant Species

For thousands of years, prairie plants have adapted to fire as part of their normal environment. Many keep most of their biomass beneath the ground and, in the fall; leave behind a highly flammable duff, actively creating the conditions for next year's fire. In contrast, forest plants keep most of their biomass above the ground where they are more susceptible to fire damage. So when fire is a periodic function in an area, the prairies dominate since they have the best chance of survival. In addition to not allowing trees and large plants to prosper, fires rejuvenated the plants by decomposing the material and allowing new growth. More plants flower, produce seed, grow taller, and are generally more lush and green after fires. 

Railroads were often beneficial to prairies because they threw sparks from the metal wheels of the train that sparked fires in the tall dense prairie grasses. Also, some fires were started on purpose by railroad personnel to keep the plants from creeping up to the tracks. These fires, and isolation from agricultural disruption, made railroad beds an ideal place for prairies to grow.

River Falls first tried to bring the railroad into town in 1857. These plans failed, however, along with the two attempts in 1873 and 1876. In 1877, plans were finally completed and the ground broke in April of 1878. The Omaha Depot, named because the line at one time extended to Omaha, Nebraska, was located on Cedar and Pine Street on the west side of the Kinnikinnic River. Over five hundred men worked on the 11.7 mile stretch from River Falls and Hudson before it welcomed the first train on October 26, 1878. It was very successful, and ran passenger service until after WWII, when the final train left February 19, 1966. Even after its departure, the railroad line still holds a legacy among the banks of prairie it helped to flourish.