The plant was heavily harvested during the herbal products boom of the late nineties. Harvesters were using shovels and pick axes to dig up roots and capitalize on the rush. Kelly’s work focuses on the harvesting techniques associated with Echinacea. He’s found that Echinacea is a very resilient species and will resprout even after a great amount of harvest. Kelly believes the preservation and respect for native prairie habitat is the primary means for maintaining the species. Kelly’’s work stresses the resilience of nature. Even after heavy harvest, Echinacea stands strong.

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