Knowing Nature class of 2002 was the first to develop web pages on a prairie grass or flower. Here, at last, the web site is launched. The Knowing Nature class of 2004 tended the garden and designing web pages telling the story of a prairie grass or flower. They dedicated their work to Paul Gruchow, author of Grass Roots, who died that spring.
Knowing Nature class of 2002 was the first to develop web pages on a prairie grass or flower. Here, at last, the web site is launched. The Knowing Nature class of 2004 tended the garden and designed web pages telling the story of a prairie grass or flower. They dedicated their work to Paul Gruchow, author of Grass Roots, who died that spring.
Knowing Nature
Against a backdrop of learning about their home on the Great Plains, the Environmental Studies class "Knowing Nature" (now housed in the Department of Sociology) was the class most involved with Soaring Eagle Prairie. In this class, students study relationship of humans to the land integrating ecopsychology, ecospirituality, native studies, bioregionalism, science.

While each class has had different involvements with Soaring Eagle Prairie, the students became energized by planting prairie seeds, watching them grow, knowing they and their seedlings were part of future restoration efforts. 2001 students were instrumental in establishing the garden. 2002 and 2004 students told stories of prairie flowers or grasses through web pages posted on the Soaring Eagle Prairie site; while negotiating often challenging steps through learning technology, they were excited to become advocates for this precious plant and, while learning, teach others about it. 2003 students told their own magical stories of connecting with the land through web pages. The students were excited to do something that had use far beyond our class.

Surprisingly, partnering nature with technology generally decreased tension for many students and brought calm. Some technology averse students were even eager to venture into its potential. Others were not. The highly creative potential of web pages gave students opportunities of individual expression which integrated "play" with research.

Overall, many Knowing Nature students saw their participation with the garden as historic and as giving back. Some anticipated returning there for reunions or bringing their children. A few even indicated they would like to stay in the region. Using the garden as a part of the class made this landscape come alive.
Jana Erickson and Brooke Kautzman find Prairie Smoke among the first to green up in the seemingly frozen soil in the spring. Brooke's web page was on Prairie Smoke. Designing web pages telling the story of a prairie grass or flower presented its own challenges. We had to enter into learning another language amidst the complexities of our own lives. It wasn't always easy. The potential for creativity was enormous. And the feeling of accomplishment was intense.
Jana Erickson and Brooke Kautzman find Prairie Smoke first to green up in the frozen soil. When once we walked past the garden oblivious to its story, we now see beauty and life there. Designing web pages telling the story of a grass or flower presented its own challenges. With Cindy Grabe's tender, guiding hand, we learned the language of technology. The potential for creativity was enormous. Once done, the feeling of accomplishment was intense.