Southwest Minnesota is a land transformed. The former tallgrass prairie has few remnant tracts left, and little of its original natural wetlands remain. However, acre by acre the land is again being transformed – this time in the direction of its original state with several wetlands and prairie grass reclamation projects completed or underway. And although species such as Long-billed Curlew, and Burrowing Owl no longer nest in this region there is hope they may someday return. These three species have all been seen in this area within the last few years. Though their presence may have been accidental it stirs the imagination for what might also be found amid the big bluestem, reed canary grass, and rich riparian woods.