MIDDLETON, Wis. (WKOW) — The health of our lakes can start on land and volunteers at Holy Wisdom Monastery are taking that idea and putting it into action.

Wednesday, they'll spend the day harvesting ripe, native seeds in the monastery's prairie to help restore others around Dane County.

It's a small task with a big impact in maintaining the health of the lakes.

"The prairie is really the sponge that helps protect the lakes," said Amy Alstad, director of land management and environmental education at Holy Wisdom Monastery.

Alstad said a healthy prairie can soak up rainwater, preventing chemicals like nitrogen and phosphorus from entering the lakes. The monastery prairie is nestled right next to Lake Mendota, only separated by road.

A few weeks ago, 27 News went to the monastery and in

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