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Friends of Minnesota
Scientific & Natural Areas
Uncas Dunes Photos from July 2016 field trip
This is the Uncas Skipper butterfly for which the SNA was named (photo taken in Colorado). It thrived here before its habitat was degraded. Hopefully with habitat restoration it may once again be seen | Hazelnuts grow on steep slopes of some dunes. | Varrying biomes are seen depending on moisture, sun exposure and other factors. |
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"Blow outs" in sand dunes support unique species | This Goldenrod Crab Spider has the ability to change to white when hunting on white flowers such as this white prairie clover but was still in its yellow phase here | Prairie forbs blossom throughout the summer. |
Leadplant blooms in early July on dune tops kept open by controlled burns | The fruits of the ground cherry are typical for the family (appearing like a tomatillo), and have a slightly bitter taste, though they are perfectly edible. The rest of the plant is poisonous. | Frequent fires are a necessary part of the oak savannah ecosystem |
These hoary puccoon flowers bloom above a ground cover of poison ivy which is everywhere. Dress appropriately to protect yourself. |
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