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Pipestone National MonumentA view of Pipestone Creek
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Pipestone National Monument
Lichens
Lichen growth on quartzite rock

NPS

Lichen growth on quartzite rock

Lichens are an important part of the prairie ecosystem at Pipestone National Monument. These plant/fungi organisms slowly break down rocks to mineral components to create a primitive soil over long periods of time.
Tallgrass prairie landscape with Big Bluestem Grass  

Did You Know?
Pipestone National Monument is one of the few remaining areas of native tallgrass prairie. Over 400,000 square miles of tall grass prairie once covered the Midwest. Less than 1% of the original tall grass prairie remains today.
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Last Updated: August 24, 2006 at 14:02 EST