The Red Rock Prairie is near to the Petroglyph site. The tallgrass prairie that once covered vast areas has been reduced drastically with one tenth of one percent of Minnesota's original prairies remaining. The Red Rock ridge prairie area is one the survivors. Outcrops of Sioux Quartzite prevented the land from being plowed and planted to crops.
An endangered species, prairie bush clover, is found at Red Rock Prairie. Prairie bush clover can be identified by its grayish-silver sheen and its pale pink or cream colored flowers that bloom in mid-July. Several other endangered plant species continue to exist and thrive at this prairie.
Restoration of the Red Rock Prairie was completed in 2007. The Nature Conservatory has taken the lead in the restoration process. Further information is on the Nature Conservatory website.
The prairie landscape is of a piece with the petroglyphs in that the the artist creators were influenced by the entire natural scene. Understanding the meaning of the glyphs and their creators involves coming to know and appreciate the ecosystem in which they operated some 5 to 9 thousand years ago. Since no recorded explanations are provided we are putting together the scene and will gradually enter the mindset of the people of the time. The glyphs call us to the task. Fortunately nature provides us with the makings of an unfolding tale.
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