A wooded area with a dense canopy of green trees and a path lined with yellow wildflowers on both sides.

Native Prairie Restoration Services

Wisconsin and Minnesota

Transform Your Property with Authentic Prairie Restoration

Restore your southeast Minnesota or western Wisconsin property to its natural prairie heritage while creating lasting value for future generations. Native Lands and Waters specialize in comprehensive prairie restoration services for property owners with 2+ acres throughout the Coulee Region, combining ecological expertise with investment-focused land management.

Why Invest in Professional Prairie Restoration?

Exceptional Property Value Enhancement Prairie restoration creates unique, high-value properties that stand out in the real estate market.

Authentic Ecosystem Recreation Open prairies are a threated ecosystem that limit native plants and animals as development expands.

Sustainable Land Management Solution Prairie restoration provides long-term answers to common property challenges.

Open green fields and rolling hills with trees, under a cloudy sky with patches of sunlight.
Two people spraying herbicide in a grassy field under a blue sky.

Comprehensive Prairie Restoration Process

Phase 1: Site Assessment & Restoration Planning

Phase 2: Site Preparation & Land Clearing

Phase 3: Native Seed Establishment

Phase 4: Establishment Management & Monitoring

Prairie Restoration Service Areas

Primary Service Counties (Within 50 Miles of La Crosse):

  • Wisconsin: La Crosse, Vernon, Monroe, Trempealeau, Crawford, Richland Counties

  • Minnesota: Houston, Winona, Fillmore, Olmsted Counties

Extended Service Areas: We provide prairie restoration services throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Regional Expertise: Our prairie restoration specialists understand the unique conditions of the Midwest.

  • Steep hillside prairie establishment techniques

  • Floodplain and riparian area restoration

  • Oak savanna and prairie integration

  • Remnant prairie expansion and enhancement

Return on Investment for Prairie Restoration

Immediate Benefits (Year 1-2):

  • Unique property character distinguishing your land in the market

  • Reduced mowing and maintenance requirements

  • Beginning wildlife habitat establishment

  • Soil erosion prevention and improvement

Medium-term Value (Years 3-7):

  • Dramatic seasonal beauty attracting wildlife and pollinators

  • Established hunting habitat for upland game birds

  • Property value enhancement as prairie matures

  • Educational and recreational opportunities for families

Long-term Legacy (Years 8+):

  • Self-sustaining native ecosystem requiring minimal maintenance

  • Substantial property value premium for established prairie

  • Potential carbon credit revenue opportunities

  • Multi-generational family heritage and conservation legacy

Specialized Prairie Types for Your Property Goals

A vast field of tall, golden grasses with ships visible on the horizon and a few birds flying in the sky.

Upland Prairie Restoration

Best For: Well-drained hillsides and ridgetops throughout the Coulee Region

Key Species: Big bluestem, Indian grass, purple coneflower, wild bergamot, blazing star

Applications: Hunting habitat, scenic areas, erosion control on slopes

A grassy wetland with a small water channel, surrounded by green marsh plants and grasses, under a partly cloudy sky.

Wet Prairie & Sedge Meadow Restoration

Best For: Low areas, seasonal wetlands, and drainage ways

Key Species: Blue joint grass, sedges, wild iris, cardinal flower, Joe Pye weed

Applications: Water quality improvement, waterfowl habitat, unique ecosystem creation

A group of large, sprawling trees with thick trunks and abundant green foliage on a grassy field under a clear blue sky.

Oak Savanna Recreation

Best For: Areas with existing mature oaks or restoration potential

Key Species: Prairie dropseed, wild rye, wood betony, wild columbine

Applications: Combining prairie with tree preservation, historical landscape recreation

A butterfly perched on yellow wildflowers in a field of tall grass and plants.

Butterfly & Pollinator Prairie

Best For: Smaller areas, educational projects, high-visibility locations

Key Species: Native milkweeds, asters, goldenrod, wild lupine, coneflowers

Applications: Supporting monarch butterflies, native bees, educational opportunities

Ready to Create Your Prairie Legacy?

Complimentary Prairie Restoration Consultation Schedule your free assessment with our certified prairie restoration specialists:

  • Site Evaluation: Comprehensive analysis of prairie restoration potential

  • Custom Design: Restoration plan tailored to your property goals and budget

  • Species Recommendations: Native plant communities appropriate for your site

  • Timeline Development: Multi-year restoration and management schedule

  • Investment Analysis: Detailed pricing with long-term value projections

Professional Standards You Can Trust

  • Licensed & Insured: Full coverage for all restoration activities

  • Certified Specialists: Advanced training in prairie ecology and management

  • Quality Guarantees: Establishment success guarantees with ongoing support

  • Long-term Partnership: Multi-year relationships ensuring restoration success

 FAQs

  • You'll see initial grass establishment in the first year, with wildflowers beginning in year 2. Peak prairie beauty and diversity typically develops by years 4-5. However, even first-year prairies provide immediate erosion control and beginning wildlife habitat.

  • True prairie restoration recreates complex native plant communities with deep-rooted grasses providing structure and diverse wildflower species creating four-season interest. Simple wildflower plantings often fail within 2-3 years, while properly established prairies last generations.

  • Yes, prairie restoration is excellent for steep slopes. The deep root systems (10-15 feet) provide superior erosion control compared to conventional grass. We use specialized seeding techniques and temporary stabilization methods adapted for challenging terrain.


  • Established prairies require minimal maintenance—primarily prescribed burning every 3-4 years and occasional invasive species monitoring. This is far less maintenance than traditional landscaping while providing superior environmental and aesthetic benefits.

  • Absolutely. Dense native prairie plant communities naturally suppress invasive species through competition. We integrate buckthorn removal and other invasive treatments as part of comprehensive prairie restoration projects.

  • Prairie restoration supports dramatically increased wildlife diversity including upland game birds (pheasants, grouse), songbirds (bobolinks, meadowlarks), butterflies (monarchs, native species), and native pollinators.

  • Prescribed burning is both safe and legal when conducted by certified professionals following state and local regulations. We handle all permits and safety requirements, conducting burns only under optimal weather conditions with proper equipment and training.