Giving back to the earth
Posted by Judy Riley on Thursday, Jun. 29, 2006
Event Date/Time: Friday, Jul. 7, 2006
Margaret Kuchenreuther, University of Minnesota, Morris associate professor of biology, is the recipient of a Shoreland Habitat Restoration Program grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. UMM faculty, staff, student and community volunteers gathered at Kuchenreuther's home on Lake Crystal June 22-23 to plant approximately 4,000 native plants along the shoreline of her home.
"We all need to do our part to help restore and make restitution for the way we take from the earth," said Kuchenreuther. "I love plants, so now I'll be surrounded by native plants in my own backyard."
The project is a classic example of one who "practices what she preaches." Kuchenreuther, whose area of expertise is rare plant conservation and prairie management, has been a spokesperson on several segments of Pioneer Public Television's "Prairie Home and Garden" program, which is produced by Media Services at UMM.
While the DNR is seeking more Shoreland Habitat Restoration Program grant applicants, Kuchenreuther believes her application for a Shoreland Habitat Restoration Program grant may have been aided by her role as an educator.
"I'm committed to helping people learn how their actions affect the environment," said Kuchenreuther. "I'm happy that I can use my lakeshore to demonstrate to students and others one way in which landowners can make a positive difference for wildlife and water quality."
The Glenwood (Minn.) DNR office is coordinator for this project.
Photo by Mike Cihak, Media Services: Margaret Kuchenreuther
