Our Office: 4100 32nd Ave. S. Fargo, ND 58104
Roots Take Time
The Prairie Sun Conservation Area is a native prairie restoration project designed to create habitat for pollinators and wildlife today and for generations to come.
Driving past Cass County Electric Cooperative’s (CCEC) Fargo headquarters, you may have noticed some changes on a stretch of green space along 32nd Avenue. What was once an underutilized retention basin on the property has now become home to CCEC’s Prairie Sun Conservation Area. This transformation reflects both North Dakota’s natural heritage and the cooperative’s commitment to the future.
Prairie Sun Conservation Area is a native prairie restoration project designed to create habitat for pollinators and wildlife, improve environmental health, and demonstrate how even small pieces of land can make a meaningful difference. The concept was brought forth by CCEC employee Delcy Fontaine and is being completed through a partnership between CCEC, the Cass County Soil Conservation District, and United Prairie Foundation.
While the prairie may look modest today, project partners see something much bigger.
“Through this project, we hope to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy, thriving ecosystem and inspire others to create prairie spaces of their own,” said Delcy Fontaine, CCEC Member Service Specialist and Certified NDSU Extension Master Gardener. “Even a small space can make a lasting difference for the environment and our native pollinators.”
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North Dakota was once covered by millions of acres of native tallgrass prairie, providing habitat for countless species of plants, insects, and wildlife.
Today, according to the National Park Service, less than 4% of the nation’s original tallgrass prairie remains due to agricultural and urban development.
As a member-owned cooperative, CCEC is focused on serving communities not just today, but for generations to come. That includes being thoughtful stewards of the land and resources entrusted to us.
Site preparation began in fall 2025, followed by dormant seeding during the winter months. A diverse mix of native prairie grasses and wildflowers was carefully installed, laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining ecosystem over time.
“Native prairies are an important part of North Dakota’s heritage and ecosystem,” said Chad Brousseau, CCEC vice president of member and energy services. “By restoring this space, we’re creating habitat for pollinators and wildlife while demonstrating how land can be managed in a way that benefits both people and the environment.”
A hands-on milestone
To mark National Prairie Day, CCEC employees, project partners and volunteers gathered to advance the restoration by hand-planting nearly 2,000 nursery-grown native prairie plugs. Species included a variety of native grasses and wildflowers grown from locally sourced seed provided by United Prairie Foundation.
The planting serves both practical and visual purposes. While many prairie species spend their first several years developing extensive root systems underground, the plugs will provide color, texture and visual interest along the roadway while the larger seeded prairie matures.
Over the next several years, the Prairie Sun Conservation Area will continue to evolve. During the first few years, maintenance efforts will focus on controlling weeds and encouraging root development. As the prairie matures, members can expect to see increasing plant diversity, more blooming species, and greater wildlife activity throughout the site. Eventually, the restoration is expected to become a largely self-sustaining ecosystem requiring only occasional maintenance.
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A Journey
2025 Site Preparation
Before seeds are planted land is prepared. Removing existing vegetation and invasive species creates the space native plants need to establish and thrive.
2026 Seeding and Planting
Native grasses and wildflowers are planted to build a strong foundation. Deep roots take hold, and the ecosystem starts to take shape.
2027-2028 Pollinators Arrive
As native plants grow, pollinators and other beneficial insects return. This boosts biodiversity and creates a balanced, self-sustaining ecosystem.
2032+ Mature Prairie Habitat
A diverse, resilient prairie supports pollinators, wildlife and people - today and for generations to come.
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Cultivating something of your own
Creating a pollinator-friendly space does not require acres of land. Homeowners can add native flowers to existing gardens, while apartment residents can grow pollinator-friendly plants in containers. Even small efforts can provide valuable habitat for pollinators and wildlife.
For members interested in starting their own project, local extension offices and soil conservation districts can provide guidance on selecting appropriate native species and creating successful pollinator habitats.
The Prairie Sun Conservation Area is ultimately about more than restoring a piece of land.
It is about investing in healthy ecosystems, supporting pollinators, strengthening communities, and preserving a small part of North Dakota’s natural heritage for future generations.
With a little planning and patience, even a small prairie can grow into something extraordinary.
TODAY
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2031
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