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Pipestone National MonumentWinnewissa Falls surrounded by quartzite rock
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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.
The site of the Three Maidens  

Did You Know?
The Three Maidens are actually granite glacial "erratics" moved thousands of years ago to Pipestone National Monument by the glaciers originating in Canada.

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Last Updated: August 24, 2006 at 14:02 EST