The law office is located near the site of the 1870
homestead of Karl August and Karolina Svensson (paternal
great-grandparents), and on a 300-acre tall grass prairie
remnant that for many years supported the draft horses and
cattle rasied by August and Mathilda Swanson (paternal
grandparents). Since 1982, A.J. and his family have been
working to restore the prairie to an approximation of what
it looked like 140 years ago. Smooth brome, a variety of
thistles, and a small patch of leafy spurge are the primary
concerns. Periodic fire (timed for the third-leaf stage of
brome, but prior to pheasant nesting, a small window in
mid- to late-April) and endless walking with a 3-gallon
spot sprayer (who has time for golf?) are the main weapons.
Follow the links to view pictures and movies from the April
27-28, 2007 fire extending to approximately 85 acres, and
scenes from the prairie's recovery during the 2007 season.
For more information on prairie restoration, preservation,
and protection, please visit the Northern Prairies Land Trust website.