To Find a Pasqueflower

Tallgrass prairie once covered millions of acres in the central part of North America. At one time, big bluestem, switchgrass, sunflowers and many other grass, flower and animal species were untouched until the plow changed the landscape forever. Greg Hoch has written an extensive book on discovering areas of virgin prairie and how it appeared and was used by the indigenous people in this area. Today, untouched prairie areas are found in agricultural areas, in a pioneer cemetery, and alongside railroad right-of-ways. Hoch, who is a prairie habitat supervisor for the the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, offers extensive research and descriptive accounts of prairie flora, including the pasqueflower, one of the earliest bloomers on the tallgrass prairie. Hoch states: "Once you get into the prairie, once you fall in love, the grasses and forbs and birds and mammals and clouds and weathers will slowly but surely seep into you." As a self-described prairie ecologist and conservationist, Hoch starts each chapter with rich quotes from historic literature and ends each chapter with a walk with his four-legged friend on an observation of flowers and grasses as they stroll through the prairie. With the extensive research and information found in this book, it could be used as a textbook for an ecology class or to be enjoyed as an informative read about the prairie ecosystem and how to preserve what remains through conservation and restoration of this valuable resource.

I grew up near prairies, and appreciate their subtle beauty and diverse wildlife. But this book helps me see them through new eyes, inextricably linked with people. Through history and science, Hoch offers a fresh perspective on the tallgrass prairie landscape.