Stewardship Stories
Four Years in Bloom:
How We Turned
Our Backyard
into a Pocket Prairie
by Erin Erickson
When we moved into our home in Marion’s Prairie Ridge neighborhood in February 2021, the yard was a blank slate—and not the dreamy kind. It was part of a new-build construction site, recently graded and packed down, with more weeds than a roadside ditch—all hidden beneath a thick layer of snow. But beneath that snowy, lifeless-looking ground, we saw potential.
As a watershed coordinator and an organic farmer (my husband works at a local research farm), we care deeply about soil health, native ecosystems, and water quality. So rather than installing a traditional lawn, we decided to transform our backyard into two pocket prairies—vibrant, functional, ecologically rich spaces that would support pollinators and biodiversity right in our suburban neighborhood.
From Construction Zone to Prairie
The process began with solarizing—laying tarps over the targeted areas to kill off the aggressive turf grasses and weed seeds that had taken root during construction. Once the soil was cleared, we hand-seeded a diverse mix of native prairie plants, carefully chosen to support pollinators and create seasonal color and structure.
I’ve been documenting the prairie’s transformation since the very beginning—capturing before-and-after photos and seasonal changes to show how the space has evolved over time. These images reveal what words alone can’t always convey: that a prairie doesn’t emerge overnight.
In year one, the plants sleep—focusing energy below ground to build extensive root systems, while remaining mostly dormant above. In year two, they begin to creep, growing taller and filling in slowly as those roots stretch deeper. By the third year, they leap—bursting into full growth and blooming with color, height, and movement. Now, in year four, the prairie feels alive in a way that’s hard to describe—full of bees, butterflies, birdsong, and continuous discovery.
Plants That Thrive
Today, our backyard prairie includes black-eyed Susan, wild bergamot, prairie coneflower, purple prairie clover, common milkweed, and a variety of native grasses. The milkweed draws monarch butterflies each summer, and the bergamot hums with pollinators. It’s a busy, beautiful place that changes every week.
We're planning to expand the diversity even more with the addition of echinacea, butterfly milkweed, and rattlesnake master—all of which will extend the bloom season and strengthen the ecological value of the space.
Maintaining the prairie is ongoing. We regularly walk the paths to manage invasive species, monitor growth, and give the native plants the space they need to thrive. It’s not effortless, but it’s deeply rewarding work—especially when we see how far it has come.
A Community Conversation Starter
Some neighbors embraced our vision right away. Others were curious, even confused, in those early years when the prairie looked a little unruly and unpredictable. We were always happy to explain what we were doing and why. With time, we’ve seen more and more people express interest, ask questions, or simply stop to say how much they enjoy watching it grow.
One moment that really stuck with us was when a neighbor shared that her family walks the path along our backyard regularly—and that her kids call it The Magical Path. They’ve watched our prairie change over the seasons, and to them, it’s a place of wonder and beauty. That single comment reminded us why this matters—not just for the ecosystem, but for the community too.
Why We Prairie
This project is rooted in who we are. As environmental stewards, we believe landscapes can do more than just look pretty—they can support pollinators, filter stormwater, build soil health, and inspire people.
What started as a rough patch of soil smothered in snow is now a thriving prairie, alive with color, texture, and life. And though it took years of planning, planting, patience, and care—we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Even four years in, the prairie still surprises us. And we’re just getting started.
Erin Erickson is the Watershed Coordinator for the Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority, a role she has held since 2021. Originally from Missouri, Erin’s conservation path was sparked at age 22 while working on a trail crew in the Colorado high country, where caring for public lands inspired a lifelong commitment to land stewardship. Five years with the U.S. Forest Service—as a trail crew member, wildlife technician, and wildland firefighter—shaped her strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and collaborative approach. With a degree from Missouri State University, Erin has built a diverse conservation career spanning wildlife management, land stewardship, and water quality. Today, she brings this experience to Iowa, where she is passionate about restoring prairies and protecting watersheds to ensure clean water, healthy ecosystems, and outdoor opportunities for future generations—including her two young daughters.
Every act of stewardship matters, and every voice helps strengthen Iowa’s collective impact. We invite Iowans to share how you’re supporting native plants and wildlife where you live. Visit our contact page to tell your story and join the movement.