Prairie - the first year it sleeps, the second year it creeps, and the third year it leaps! This saying has held true for the nearly 95 acres of prairie established through CRP by Paula Westerlund and Margaret Steiner on their farm in Pepin County, Wisconsin.

Paula's and Margaret's prairie was established in the spring of 2000 using the CRP practice Rare and Declining Habitat. The prairie has been both a learning and rewarding experience. During the spring, summer, and fall, they enjoy taking walks, wildflower books in hand, to identify the different species of grasses and forbs growing there. If they stop for a moment, they are astounded by the number of birds hovering over the prairie. Not many weeks past, Paula was surprised by a doe with her two fawns that had taken refuge in the prairie.

During the winter, they continue to enjoy the wildlife habitat that has been created. Margaret traverses the prairie on cross country skis while Paula opts for snow shoes. All in all, they are very proud of the habitat CRP has helped them to create.

CRP Rare and Declining Habitat provides wildlife feed in winter.

Through CRP, Rare and Declining Habitat provides wildlife food and shelter for the winter.

Multiple species once native to the prairie are reestablished with the help of CRP cost-share assistance.

CRP restores Rare and Declining Habitat on the prairie.