MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Nature Conservancy says it has protected nearly 150 acres of prairie and wetlands it will add to its 650-acre Ordway Prairie Preserve in Pope County in west-central Minnesota.

Funding came from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, which was created under the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

Peggy Ladner, director of The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota, says the Ordway Prairie is an outstanding example of the grasslands that once dominated the landscape in western and southern Minnesota. It’s home to prairie grasses and wildflowers, wetlands and wildlife. The addition is a mixture of unplowed native prairie and wetlands but will need restoration work to return the property to a more natural condition.

The property is open to the public for outdoor recreation including hunting, birding, hiking and cross-country skiing.

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