Located on the western edge Minnesota, the Minnesota Land Trust moraine region stretches from Willmar nearly up to Bemidji.
Formed by the debris left behind by retreating glaciers, the moraines within this area take the form of rolling hills interspersed with lakes. One of the most famous examples of these beautiful hills is Inspiration Peak, which is located just northwest of Alexandria. Inspiration Peak rises to 1,750 feet (400 feet above the surrounding landscape), making it one of the highest points in Otter Tail County. Sinclair Lewis once wrote of Inspiration Peak “…there’s to be seen a glorious 20-mile circle of some 50 lakes scattered among fields and pastures, like sequins fallen on an old paisley shawl.”
The area is also an important migratory flyway, with a diversity of native prairie, pothole lakes, and woodlands. Trumpeter swans, red-shouldered hawks, and cerulean warblers rely on this habitat. Sections of the moraine region have been classified as Important Bird Areas by Audubon, and the Land Trust works closely with them to protect and restore important areas for migratory birds.
Population growth on the I-94 corridor between Fargo and the Twin Cities metro area has accelerated in recent decades, putting development pressure on the forests, wetlands, farmland, and lakes around it. In Otter Tail County, that’s meant the waterways we all rely on to drink, fish, and swim have faced growing impacts. Fortunately, a local [...]
Wetlands and shallow lakes provide essential habitat that waterfowl and other wildlife need to survive. Prairie Pothole Country lies within a major migratory bird flyway and is the core to the nation’s “duck factory.” The Minnesota Land Trust is looking for willing landowners to participate in the Wetland Habitat Protection Program, a conservation initiative to [...]
Nestled amongst three scenic Minnesota lakes in Otter Tail County is the unique property of Jim and Joan Burkett. This property is emblematic of the amazing wildlife habitat found in Otter Tail’s lake country and connects to more than 3,000 acres that have been protected near the Burkett’s land on Spitzer Lake. In order to [...]
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