Fritillary Prairie
Figure 1. The Prairie violet (Viola pedatifida) is a low-growing, perennial plant with deeply lobed, bird's foot-like leaves and violet or purple flowers. It's common in prairies, savannas, and other sunny, dry environments, and attracts a variety of insects, including butterflies, bees, and moths.
(Licensed photo by Dion6/Wirestock Creators/Adobe Stock photo)Fritillary prairie, also known as Biesterfeld Meadow, is a remnant of tallgrass prairie, a once much more extensive habitat, now found in fragments across North America. The Fritillary prairie supports a variety of native grasses and wildflowers, including various orchids and ferns, and even prairie violets (see Figure 1), a crucial food source for the regal fritillary caterpillars.
The prairie is home to various species of animals, including the Dakota skipper, Regal fritillary butterfly, and greater prairie chickens.
Learn more about the flora and fauna starting on the Animals and Plants page.
The area also offers many recreational opportunities, such as hiking, photography, and viewing wildlife.
Contact the Sheyenne Ranger District Office for more information.
From Lisbon, North Dakota follow North Dakota Highway 27 east for 10 miles. Turn right (south) on County Road 54 towards Milnor. In three miles, turn left (east) into the parking lot for the North Country trailhead in Biesterfeld Allotment. This trail wanders northeast for 30 miles through the district’s tallgrass prairie, wetlands, burr oak savannah, and quaking aspen groves.
Biesterfeld Hay Meadow is 0.5 mile southeast of the North Country Trailhead. You are welcome to walk there cross-country from the trailhead. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, you can also drive. To do so, from the trailhead drive south on County Road 54 for an additional 0.3 mile. Turn left (east) onto the unmarked two-track road, being sure to shut the gate behind you. Drive east 0.5 mile until you reach the fence line protecting the Hay Meadow. Park here. You can walk in thru the gate. Again, be sure to refasten the gate behind you. No motorized travel is permitted within the Hay Meadow itself.