As in many parts of the country, Wisconsin experienced one of the worst droughts on record last year. This year, early rains reawakened the flowers that were dormant last summer. Ted explored the prairie at the International Crane Foundation and got some beautiful photos of these tenacious plants. Many of the grasses and forbs reach heights of 6 feet or more, but the roots may be 2 or three times longer than what wee see above the soil’s surface. This adaptation helps such plants survive lengthy periods of drought and even fire.

Yellow Coneflower (above), Culver’s Root and Prairie Blazing Star (below) paint a colorful landscape. Both photos by Ted Thousand. All rights reserved.