Prairie Smoke and Prairie Enthusiasts:
Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Prairie Enthusiasts?

The Prairie Enthusiasts (TPE) is a private non-profit organization committed to the protection and management of native prairie and savanna in the upper Midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois). We are a grass roots organization of volunteers dedicated to preserving the last remaining pieces of the once vast, and now endangered, prairie and savanna communities. Prairie Smoke is the name of your local chapter of the Prairie Enthusiasts, which covers southeastern Minnesota.

What are the benefits of joining the Prairie Smoke chapter of the Prairie Enthusiasts?

As a member of the Prairie Smoke chapter, you are entitled to the following benefits:
  • Site visits by Prairie Smoke representatives to give guidance about the care of your prairie
  • Annual prescribed burning workshop
  • Assistance with burning your prairie (including all necessary equipment)
  • Opportunities to volunteer to do prescribed burning (this is a fun learning activity)
  • The Prairie Enthusiasts newsletter the "Prairie Promoter" published four times a year
  • Prairie Smoke newsletter "Prairie Chatter" published two times a year
  • Field trip fliers published two times a year
  • Prairie Smoke email or postcard reminders about important Prairie Smoke events
  • Field trips throughout southeastern Minnesota led by Prairie Smoke representatives
  • Other educational and recreational opportunities

    • When I join, do I become a member of Prairie Smoke and The Prairie Enthusiasts?

    Yes, when you join The Prairie Enthusiasts with the enclosed membership form, you automatically become a member of the local Prairie Smoke chapter, which covers southeastern Minnesota, and the national organization called The Prairie Enthusiasts.

    What is the difference between the eight types of memberships?

    The Prairie Enthusiasts organization has eight different types of memberships. All are annual memberships.
    Student ($15): annual membership for an individual high school or college student
    Individual ($25) – annual membership for any individual who is not a student
    Family ($40) - annual membership for a family of two or more
    Shooting Star ($100) - annual membership for an individual, family, or organization
    Blazing Star ($200) - annual membership for an individual, family, or organization
    Compass Plant ($500) - annual membership for an individual, family, or organization
    Monarch ($1,000) - annual membership for an individual, family, or organization
    Bur Oak Benefactor ($5,000) - annual membership for an individual, family, or organization

    *The extra cost shows a desire for the member(s) to financially support The Prairie Enthusiasts at a higher annual amount.

    How do I find out when my membership in the Prairie Smoke chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts expires?

    You will receive a membership renewal form from your local Prairie Smoke chapter the month before your annual membership expires.

    Who do I contact if I have additional questions about my membership?

    Please contact Dave Edwards at noodlerun@charter.net or (507) 292-0063.

    Does Prairie Smoke have a website?

    Yes! The website address is http://www.theprairieenthusiasts.org/chapter/smoke/smoke.htm Clearly, you have found this!

    How do I find out about Prairie Smoke field trips?

    The Prairie Smoke chapter averages between 8-12 field trips a year. The simplest way to find out about field trips is to read the newsletter sent to you by the Prairie Smoke chapter. This newsletter is sent out twice a year. You can also check the calendar of events on the Prairie Smoke website.

    What if I am not getting my Prairie Enthusiasts& Prairie Smoke newsletters or field trip fliers?

    Please contact Dave Edwards at noodlerun@charter.net or (507) 292-0063 and he will make sure you start receiving these publications.

    What types of burn equipment does Prairie Smoke have available for loan?

    Prairie Smoke has the following equipment available for loan

    Do landowners have to be a member of Prairie Smoke in order to use the burn equipment?

    Yes. Access to the burn equipment is one of the benefits of membership in the Prairie Smoke chapter.

    Is there a charge for Prairie Smoke members to use the burn equipment?

    No, there is not a charge to use the equipment. However, it is suggested that landowners who use the equipment make a voluntary donation to the chapter for the upkeep of the equipment.

    How do I get more information about prescribed burning?

    You can request additional information by contacting Dave Edwards at noodlerun@charter.net or (507) 292-0063. You can also attend one of our free prescribed burning workshops (date/place to be announced in newsletter).

    What types of other equipment does Prairie Smoke have available for loan?

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