Oct 22, 2024 · Prairie potholes are depressional wetlands (primarily freshwater marshes) found most often in the Upper Midwest, especially North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) is an expansive area of the northern Great Plains that contains thousands of shallow wetlands known as potholes. These potholes are the result of glacier activity in the Wisconsin glaciation, which ended about 10,000 years ago.

5 days ago · The Prairie Pothole Region's economic and recreational significance is deeply rooted in its unique ecological characteristics. Extending across the northern Great Plains, the region's rich, glaciated soils are a foundation for high-yield agriculture, contributing to the production of key commodities like wheat, soybeans, and corn. Across this …

The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of North America is a unique and extraordinary ecosystem. After the retreat of the glaciers 10,000 years ago, the PPR consisted of a vast grassland ecosystem dotted with millions of shallow wetlands of unparalleled density and productivity.

The prairie pothole region is home to more than 50 percent of North American migratory waterfowl. Waterfowl breeding here include the pintail, gadwall, blue-winged teal, shoveler, canvasback, and redhead.

The PPJV covers one-third of North America’s Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), including portions of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Just 20% of the grassland in the PPR is protected, which equates to only 6% of the historic extent of grassland area.

For prairie pothole birding with a few more amenities, like cafes and brewpubs, consider southwestern Minnesota. Swan Lake and Lake Crystal host pelicans, ducks, and Trumpeter Swans.

Feb 19, 2025 · The Prairie Pothole Region of the northern Great Plains annually hosts 50–80% of North America’s ducks during the breeding season. Accordingly, there are significant government and private funds that go to conservation for the purposes of improving duck production in …

The depressions are all different shapes and sizes. Today, these depressions fill up with water when it rains and when the snow melts. Since most of these depressions are in the prairies and they're often round like a pot, they are called prairie potholes.

These freshwater marshes are found in the upper Midwestern prairies, especially the Dakotas and Minnesota. Depressions that were created by retreating glaciers about 10,000 years ago;, they fill with water during spring, providing important habitat for waterfowl and many other species.