MINOT, N.D. – The Plum River Native Prairie project invites families, educators, and community members to attend Family STEAM Day on Saturday, April 26, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Plum River site, located on the former grounds of Erik Ramstad Middle School.
Plum River Native Prairie is a collaborative initiative to restore the site into a thriving native prairie ecosystem. The project is supported by Minot State University, Minot Public Schools, Audubon Great Plains, the Ward County Soil Conservation District, AmeriCorps, and the CIRCLES Alliance.
Family STEAM Day will feature hands-on exhibits showcasing science, technology, engineering, art, and math from MSU programs and community partners. Attendees will also receive red clover seeds to plant at home and learn why red clover was chosen as the first step in restoring the prairie.
“This event is a great opportunity for families to engage with science and Indigenous knowledge in a real-world context,” said Dan Conn, associate professor and chair of the Department of Education and Inclusive Services at Minot State University. “I’m so excited to work with our students and community partners to promote STEAM education in meaningful, hands-on ways.”
The decision to plant red clover in early May reflects months of collaborative research. MSU undergraduate Patrick Baker, a medicinal plant chemistry major and AmeriCorps member, has been working through AmeriCorps and the CIRCLES Alliance with Ruth De La Cruz of Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College and the Ward County Soil Conservation District to determine the most effective cover crop. Red clover was chosen for its soil-enriching properties, medicinal significance, and deep cultural relevance within Hidatsa traditions. The clover will be planted using no-till methods to promote sustainable soil practices this spring.
Family STEAM Day will conclude at 11:30 a.m., allowing attendees to head over to the MSU Powwow Grand Entry, making it a full day of community, culture, and learning.
The event is free and open to the public. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held in the MSU Dome.
