flier as pdf - The Prairie Enthusiasts

Field Trips
Spring-Summer 2016
Also see the TPE web site Calendar of Events
www.ThePrairieEnthusiasts.org
Please join us for interesting tours of prairies, savannas, and open woodlands that range from high
quality natural areas to newly begun restorations and plantings. Learn to identify the wildflowers
and animals that inhabit these gems of nature, or come to simply enjoy camaraderie on the prairie
and its sights and sounds. These tours give you opportunities to see, first hand, the results of
various management/restoration strategies and techniques. Share your interest in prairies by
bringing a friend.
What to bring
Field trips generally proceed rain or shine (except for severe weather or unless otherwise noted), so bring
appropriate clothing and apparel. A hat, long-pants, and sturdy footwear are recommended, along with
sunscreen and insect/tick repellant. For long hikes, be sure to bring water, and, if it is an all-day event,
something to eat.
Please contact trip leaders to confirm that the trip is still on.
The Prairie Enthusiasts Field Trips, Spring-Summer 2016
May 8 (Sunday, Mother’s Day) Spring Flowers at Muralt Bluff Prairie
Green County, WI
Violets, shooting stars, pasque flowers, puccoon, prairie smoke, kitten-tails,
blue-eyed grass, wood betony, pussy-toes, rockwort and yellow star grass are
the attractions at Muralt Bluff, where we will lead a tour up the newly-cleared
northwest bluff. It is a steep, challenging climb for fit folks. We will truck-pool
others up to the top for a level hike to Muralt Savanna, where we will have
lunch, then an easy walk through two small, burned units to the west end of this
62-acre grassland. An optional hike to South Muralt will extend the field trip
for those inclined to see more wildflowers and more evidence of winter
restoration activity by Prairie Bluff Chapter. Bring your cameras, binoculars,
water and a lunch.
Time: 11 a.m.
Trip leaders: Tom Mitchell (608-214-8690), Chris Roberts and Steve Hubner. It is a two hour hike on Muralt Bluff, another
hour to South Muralt.
Directions: Meet at parking lot for Muralt Bluff, near W2635 County F, between Albany and Monticello.
May 8 (Sunday, Mother’s Day) Smith-Reiner Drumlin Prairie
Dane County, WI
Join us for a walk on Mother’s Day to see displays of birds-foot violets, downy
yellow painted-cup, prairie smoke, blue-eyed grass, puccoon and other early
spring wildflowers of TPE’s Smith-Reiner Drumlin Prairie. This 40-acre State
Natural Area has a pair of dry drumlin hills with original native prairie.
Drumlins are elongated low hills formed by the passing of the last glacier.
Smith-Reiner is home to a number of rare plants and prairie insects, and
grassland birds such as eastern meadowlarks and grasshopper sparrows. The
26 acre area of former cropland between the hills was planted to prairie two
years ago to begin to reestablish the now rare mesic prairie community type.
Site managed by Empire Sauk Chapter. Detailed description and site history
on TPE website.
Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Trip leader: Gary Birch
Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy 12 and Hwy 73 (2.5 miles west of Cambridge, WI) take 73 south 1.5 miles to
County PQ. Turn left (east) onto PQ. Proceed 1.0 mile to Clearview Road. Turn right (south) on Clearview, go 0.6 miles. Park
along the road, but off the shoulder onto the grass. The site is approximately 0.25 mi from kiosk. We will be hiking
approximately 2 miles total.
The Prairie Enthusiasts Field Trip Guide – Spring/Summer 2016
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May 14 (Saturday)
Spring Flowers at Schurch-Thomson Prairie
Iowa County, WI
Come hike into the secluded valley of the Schurch-Thomson and Underwood
prairies. Spring wildflowers such as prairie violets, blue-eyed grass, yellow
star-grass, cream wild indigo, puccoons, and alumroot should be in full bloom
with queen bumblebees of several species very actively collecting pollen and
nectar to establish their colonies. We will also see prairie plantings and interseedings of various ages. Schurch-Thomson Prairie is a 193-acre unit of TPE’s
570-acre Mounds View Grassland preserve and is adjacent to the privately
owned Underwood Prairie (Hanley Family Trust), for which TPE has a
management agreement to manage and restore prairie on approximately 20
acres.
The hike will include extensive grassland bird habitat filled with bobolinks, meadowlarks, grasshopper sparrows, upland
sandpipers, and Henslow’s sparrows. So bring binoculars, a hat, and sunscreen, and be prepared for a long hike.
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Trip Leader: Rich Henderson (608-845-7065 or tpe.rhenderson@tds.net)
Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy 18-151 and County F (south of Blue Mounds in western Dane County), take F
approximately 5 miles south. Turn right onto Reilly Road, and proceed to parking lot and kiosks at the end of the road (past
the barn). (Note: A half mile down F from 18-151, pay close attention to the road signs, for F turns to the right & the straight
ahead road becomes County Z. Stay on F.) Enter “Reilly Rd, Barneveld” in map app.
May 14 (Saturday)
Reptile Workshop
Grant County, WI
Learn how to identify and find the reptiles on your land so you can consider
them in your land management plans and activities! We’ll spend the morning
(2 hours) in the classroom, learning how to identify Wisconsin’s turtles, lizards
and snakes. In the afternoon (2 hours), we’ll be in the field, learning about and
conducting surveys for reptiles. Dr. Rebecca Christoffel runs a non-profit
(Snake Conservation Society) dedicated to changing snakes in the public’s
imagination and a business (Christoffel Conservation) dedicated to helping
landowners and professionals manage land with reptiles, amphibians and other
lesser-known and less well-appreciated wildlife in mind. Rebecca has a B.S.
and M.S. in Wildlife Ecology from UW-Madison, and a Ph.D. in Fisheries and
Wildlife from Michigan State University. Prior to her return to Madison, she
was a faculty member and State Wildlife Extension Specialist in Iowa. This Reptile Workshop is sponsored by the SW Chapter
of The Prairie Enthusiasts.
Please RSVP to Jack or Rose Sime 608 831-9297 by May 7th. A confirmation and further instructions about the day will be
sent. If you have special dietary needs, please advise at the time you reserve your place. Payment will be made on site. Fee:
$20 per person, includes lunch.
Time: 10:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Leader: Dr. Rebecca Christoffel, Contact: Jack Kussmaul 608 988-4309
Directions: Jack Kussmaul’s land 10725 County Hwy C, Woodman, WI
The Prairie Enthusiasts Field Trip Guide – Spring/Summer 2016
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May 21 (Saturday)
Iris Drive Prairie
Crawford County, WI
This is a 3-year old restoration project of a quiet, isolated valley site with a 6acre remnant featuring over 50 prairie plant species. Some new, experimental
management methods have been used, saving hundreds of hours on brush
removal, and the results have been amazing! The site is currently under
consideration for protection by TPE. A moderately steep hill must be climbed
to view the remnant.
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Trip Leader: Gary Eldred (608-375-5271)
Directions: Go west on Main Street in Gays Mills, WI. Just after crossing the
bridge over the Kickapoo River, turn left (south) on West River Road. After
@2 miles turn right on to Iris Drive and go about a block to a lane on the right.
May 21 (Saturday)
Swenson and Drachenberg Prairies
Iowa County, WI
Both of these high-quality remnants have been on TPE’s project list for many
years. Swenson Hill Prairie is a spectacular large bluff prairie noted for its
steepness and lack of exotic species (well, some) that should have a first-class
show of prairie spring ephemerals in bloom. A Federal grant administered by
the Prairie Enthusiasts helped clear this site in 2002, and we can observe the
changes and challenges since then.
Just a quarter mile away, Drachenberg Prairie boasts a similar but at the same
time different spring flora. This site is a much easier walk. Like Swenson, the
2002 management grant made huge headway in clearing this prairie of cedar
and other brush. Bring extra water even if the day is not hot.
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Leader: Scott Sauer. Call Scott 608-273-0904 (h) or 608-772-3529 (c) for directions, meeting location and to arrange travel
from the Madison area.
Directions: If you’re coming from the east, meet at the Arena Cheese Factory in Arena on Highway 14 at a little before 1:00
p.m. We’ll drive to the site from there.
May 22 (Sunday)
La Crosse River State Trail’s Rockland Prairie
La Crosse Co., WI
Scattered railroad remnants can be found along the bike trail that has been
designated as a State Natural Area. We’ll search for early season bloomers such
as Downy phlox, Lupine, Bird’s-foot violet, and Hoary puccoon. The hike will
be a leisurely walk on level terrain.
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Trip Leader: (608-799-6344; call or text)
Directions: Meet in Rockland, WI (near I-90 in eastern La Crosse County) at
the railroad crossing on Commercial St. (CTH J).
The Prairie Enthusiasts Field Trip Guide – Spring/Summer 2016
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May 22 (Sunday)
Kalscheur Oak Savanna
Iowa County, WI
This 19-acre site became a TPE preserve in 1994 and is currently managed by
the Empire-Sauk Chapter. It is topographically diverse (140 ft. change in
elevation) with a south facing aspect. It is covered by scattered oak trees and
prairie openings. At the base of the slope, springs and ground water seeps
come out of the hillside and run into a stream-side wetland complex. Past
grazing left the site in rough shape, but with tree/brush removal, periodic fire,
and some inter-seeding with prairie and savanna species lost from the site,
recovery of the original savanna and prairie vegetation is nicely taking shape.
So far, 190 native plant species have been identified on site, including healthy
populations of prairie gentian, cream Baptisia, and the State Threatened prairie
(Hill’s) thistle. The site was burned this spring, which should stimulate a nice
show of flowers and reveal new species recovering and re-establishing on the
site. We will explore the site, looking for the new finds and assess its recovery over the past 22 years.
Time: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Trip leaders: Rich Henderson (608-845-7065), Pat Handrick, & Amy Staffen.
Directions: From the Village of Hollandale in southeastern Iowa Co, take County Road K south from Hwy 39 for
approximately 2 miles. Look for a small TPE sign on the left (northeast) side of the road. Parking is along the road, be sure to
park at least 3 ft off pavement. We will be hiking in from there.
May 22 (Sunday)
May at Schluckebier Sand Prairie
Sauk County, WI
First trip in Monthly Phenology Series
Spring brings early-season flowers such as prairie blue-eyed grass, violet wood
sorrel, bird’s foot violet, hoary puccoon, and the spectacular large-flowered
beardtongue, to this TPE-owned State Natural Area (No. 541). Explore one of
the last remaining remnants of the original 14,000 acre Sauk Prairie which sits
on an old Wisconsin River terrace. Thanks to stewardship efforts, this parcel of
prairie harbors an excellent diversity of native prairie plants adapted to dry,
sandy soils from spring through fall.
Prairies have different species of plants in bloom from early April through early
November. If you visit a prairie at two-week intervals you will likely see a
whole new group of species in flower each visit.
Interestingly, the stature of the flowers tend to change over the season, with the species with the shortest flowers blooming at
the beginning of the season, then flower height reaching its peak by mid-summer. There is a decline in the height of the flowers
again towards the end of the season in early fall.
Join us for one, or all of our monthly visits to Schluckebier through the 2016 growing season.
We will observe changes month to month by noting what plants are in flower and we’ll discuss how yearly weather variation
provides opportunity for a variety of species to thrive. Easy, rolling terrain.
Our second phenology visit will be Saturday June, 25.
Time: 1 – 3 pm
Leader: Brandon Mann westboundb@yahoo.com 413 427-4099
Directions: From the intersection of Hwy 12 and County PF west of Sauk City, go west on PF 1.5 miles to a small dirt lane
and parking area south of the road. Enter Schluckebier Prairie in map app.
The Prairie Enthusiasts Field Trip Guide – Spring/Summer 2016
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May 23 (Monday)
Sugar River Oak Savanna
Dane County, WI
This diverse 9-acre oak savanna is a preserve of The Prairie Enthusiasts and
managed by the Empire-Sauk Chapter. Management with frequent fire since
1976 has brought about a very diverse flora of prairie and savanna species with
nearly 400 native plant species now present. A wide array of late-spring
wildflowers should be in bloom, including wood betony, shooting star, cream
wild indigo, wild lupine, and golden Alexander.
Time: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Trip leader: Rich Henderson (608-845-7065 or tpe.rhenderson@tds.net)
Directions: From the intersection of CTH M and PD (north of Verona and SW of Madison) take PD west 3.0 miles to Timber
Lane, turn right (north) on to Timber Lane and then immediately turn left into a joint driveway. Proceed to the brick house
(2845 Timber Lane). Park in mowed lawn (please do not block the neighbor’s driveway).
May 24 (Tuesday)
Hauser Road (Zauner) Prairie
Dane County, WI
Come explore one of TPE’s newest preserves. This 45-acre scenic ridge-top
prairie remnant (former pasture) is being managed by the Empire-Sauk Chapter.
The goal is to bring it back to its pre-settlement glory of plant and animal
diversity. Over 100 native prairie plant species are still present, and we plan to
re-introduce many more lost during the decades of pasturing. There are also rare
prairie insects present and grassland birds such as meadowlarks, bobolinks, and
grasshopper sparrows are known to breed here. There has been some periodic
management of the site for the past 20 years by the DNR Natural Areas Program
and TPE volunteers; consequently the prairie vegetation has been making a
comeback. Shooting stars and other late spring wildflowers should be in bloom.
This site was identified by TPE’s remnant inventory & landowner contact
program in the early 1990s.
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Trip leaders: Rich Henderson (608-845-7065), Randy Hoffman, and Mark Martin.
Directions: From the junction of Hwys 19 and 113 in Waunakee, take Hwy 113 north 2.5 miles to Madigan Road (right turn).
Proceed on Madigan for 1.0 mile to Hauser Road, turn right. Proceed 0.2 miles and park along the road (off the pavement).
May 28 (Saturday)
Hanley Savanna
Jo Daviess County, IL
This is a wonderful spring prairie tour with the Northwest Illinois Chapter at
Hanley Savanna, near Hanover, IL. Come see the late spring blooms. Picnic
lunch at noon (RSVP requested). We will also be honoring our high school
graduates - two young men who have made a huge difference with Prairie
Enthusiasts efforts these last few years. Guided prairie tours to follow. Join us!
Time: 11:30 - 2:30. p.m.
Trip leader: Laura Dufford. Please RSVP to lauradufford@gmail.com
Directions: Meet at Hanley Savanna: 9417 S. Whitten Rd, Hanover, IL
The Prairie Enthusiasts Field Trip Guide – Spring/Summer 2016
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May 29 (Sunday)
Bird Walk at Schurch-Thomson Prairie
Iowa County, WI
Come for a morning hike to see and learn about prairie and savanna birds (and
maybe a few butterflies and flowers as well). This TPE preserve has an
excellent variety of grassland birds, such as upland sandpipers, eastern
meadowlarks, Henslows’s sparrows, grasshopper sparrows, and bobolinks. But
there is also habitat for savanna/woodland birds such as bluebirds, rosebreasted grosbeaks, orchard and northern orioles, flickers, and red-headed
woodpeckers. Birds are most active with territory calls and displays during
early morning hours, so it is worth getting up for this hike. Bring binoculars,
hat and boots for dew-covered grass. This is a joint trip of TPE & the Wisconsin
Society for Ornithology.
Time: 8 – 10 p.m.
Trip Leaders: Eric Preston (415-235-4182) and Kim Kreitinger
Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy 18 – 151 and County F (south of Blue Mounds in western Dane County), take
F approximately 5 miles south, then turn right onto Reilly Road. Proceed past the barn to the parking lot. (Note: A half mile
south of F from 18-151, pay close attention to the road signs, for F turns to the right and the straight ahead road becomes
County Z. Stay on F.) Enter “Reilly Road, Barneveld, WI” in map app.
May 30 (Monday)
Memorial Day at Green’s Prairie Cemetery
Green County, WI
Our annual celebration of war veterans buried in this pioneer cemetery will
begin at 1:30 p.m. with a series of short presentations. We will recognize the
veterans of the War of 1812, Black Hawk War and Civil War; we will then hear
about the various places that these early settlers came from during this large
wave of migration from east to west; and finally we will learn the value of these
natural areas with strong cultural significance and how this one is managed.
Tours of the prairie cemetery will follow. In case of inclement weather the event
will move to York Town Hall.
Time: 1:30 p.m. Event organizers William Kuenzi, David Green, John
Ochsner (608-214-2363).
Directions: The cemetery is located on Postville Road in northwest Green County, between County Roads H and A, west of
County Road J.
June 11 (Saturday)
Coneflowers at Avon Ridge
Rock County, WI
Here is a chance to see hundreds of state-threatened pale purple coneflowers on
a single acre of land at our newest property, Avon Ridge. The view to the south
into Illinois is impressive, over a wide expanse of the valley of Sugar River.
You’ll see the work that our crews performed last winter -- removing most of
the trees and brush that had shaded out the dry prairie -- and take part in an
inventory of plants, birds and butterflies that inhabit this protected 16.5 acre
grasslands. Bring your camera or binoculars for an easy, leisurely 2-hour hike.
Time: 1 p.m.
Trip leaders: Nick Faessler and Tom Mitchell (608-214-8690)
Directions: Meet at the parking lot on the south side of Beloit-Newark Road, a
quarter- mile east of Nelson Road. We will truck-pool up the hill to the prairie.
The Prairie Enthusiasts Field Trip Guide – Spring/Summer 2016
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June 11 (Saturday
Bumblebee Identification Workshop
Iowa County, WI
Come to Schurch Thomson Prairie to learn about bumblebee life histories and
how to identify our native bumblebee species. Wisconsin is known to be home
to 400 species of bees, 20 species of which are bumblebees. Our trip leaders
have identified 8 species of bumblebees at this site so far. We also expect to see
other native bees, (non-native) honeybees, butterflies and other pollinators. We
will be catching bumblebees with insect nets (bring one if you have one), and
using a handout to look at the markings used to identify the species. Those with
bee allergies be aware, there is a slight chance of being stung. Bring close
focusing binoculars if you have them. Learn about pollen baskets, buzz
pollination, and social life cycles. The bees will not fly in even a light drizzle,
so call ahead to confirm. Rain date June 12.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Leaders: Christy Stewart (cstewart1@wisc.edu) 608 213-5688 and Susan
Carpenter (scarpen1@uwarb.wisc.edu) 608 886-7504
Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy 18-151 and County F (south of Blue Mounds in western Dane County), take F
approximately 5 miles south, then turn right onto Reilly Road. Proceed to parking lot and kiosks at the end of the road (past
the barn). (Note: A half mile south of F from 18-151, pay close attention to the road signs, for F turns to the right & the straight
ahead road becomes County Z. Stay on F.) Enter “Reilly Rd, Barneveld, WI” in map app.
June 18 (Saturday)
Hill Prairie/Whip-poor-will Hike
Trempealeau County, WI
Come see Jon Schultz’s rewards from his prairie and savanna restoration work
on the family farm. There are seven different hill prairies that contain the full
range of plant species found on bluff prairies in this area. The guided tour will
be on the prairie nearest the farm, but folks are invited to do self-guided hikes
between 4:00 and 7:30 to any of the prairies using the well-developed trail
system. There’s a moderate climb to the top. The hike will be followed by a
Mississippi Valley Conservancy event, including a whip-poor-will hike and
listening tour at dusk.
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Trip Leader: Jim Rogala; contact (608-799-6344; call or text)
Directions: From La Crosse: Head north on HWY 53 and continue straight on HWY 54 near Galesville. Turn right/north on
CTH G past Centerville. Turn left onto CTH J (4 mi), and then right onto CTH JJ (4 mi). Turn right onto Kukowski Lane (0.7
mi), and follow it to the end (second farm). N23277 Kukowski Lane, Arcadia Wisconsin 54612
The Prairie Enthusiasts Field Trip Guide – Spring/Summer 2016
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June 18 (Saturday)
Butterflies and Flowers at Pleasant Valley
Dane County, WI
Pleasant Valley Conservancy is a beautiful state natural area situated in the
Driftless Area, with steep goat prairies, oak savanna, and a large, high quality
marsh. This time of year we hope to see Baltimore checkerspots and perhaps
some wetland skippers. Other possible butterfly species include swallowtails,
silvery checkerspot, fritillaries, and blues. All of these butterflies will have
many wonderful native plants to nectar on this time of year. Long pants, a hat,
water, and hiking shoes are recommended. Bring binoculars - the closer they
focus, the better! If you would like, bring along a bag lunch for after the field
trip; beverages and dessert will be provided! This trip is co-sponsored by the
Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association and Madison Audubon Society.
Time: 11a.m 12:30 p.m.
Leaders: Ann Thering and Tom and Kathie Brock; Confirm with Ann at (608) 8361097 or email acthering@gmail.com, or contact Tom Brock at (608) 238-5050 or email tdbrock@charter.net
Directions: Pleasant Valley Conservancy, 4609 Pleasant Valley Road, Black Earth, WI. Take County Highway F to the west
from the Village of Black Earth, then follow it south for 5 miles. Turn left on Pleasant Valley Road. Drive past the buildings
on the right to the State Natural Area sign on the left side of the road; please park off the road.
June 18 (Saturday)
Zimmerman Prairie/Wood Lily Hill
Grant County, WI
The Prairie Enthusiasts have a short-term management agreement on this very
high quality prairie remnant. This is a rare opportunity to visit the site as it is
not open to the public. If our timing is right, we should be able to see the
namesake wood lilies on this site. Tour leader Scott Sauer has been running
winter work parties on this site since 2010 with participation of the UWPlatteville Reclamation Club. There is a short walk along a field and a mild
uphill walk to reach the prairie itself. We may tour other nearby places of
interest afterward if participants are willing.
Time: 10:00 a.m.
3529 (c)
Leader: Scott Sauer 608-273-0904 (h) or 608-772-
Directions: The site is just outside of the village of Muscoda. Call Scott Sauer for directions, meeting location and to arrange
travel from the Madison area.
June 25 (Saturday)
June at Schluckebier Sand Prairie
Sauk County, WI
Second trip in Monthly Phenology Series
The heat of early summer stimulates flowering of white indigo, slender
beardtongue, June grass, prairie alumroot, leadplant, and purple milkwort
among others at this TPE-owned State Natural Area (No. 541). Explore one of
the last remaining remnants of the original 14,000 acre Sauk Prairie which sits
on an old Wisconsin River terrace. It occurs on well-drained glacial outwash
sands and is therefore classified as a 'sand prairie'. From summer through fall,
this remnant supports an excellent diversity of prairie species including rare
plants and insects.
Prairies have different species of plants in bloom from early April through early
November. If you visit a prairie at two-week intervals you will likely
The Prairie Enthusiasts Field Trip Guide – Spring/Summer 2016
page 9
see a whole new group of species in flower each visit. Interestingly, the stature of the flowers tend to change over the season,
with the species with the shortest flowers blooming at the beginning of the season, then flower height reaching its peak by midsummer. There is a decline in the height of the flowers again towards the end of the season in early fall.
Join us for one, or all of our monthly phenological visits to Schluckebier throughout the 2016 growing season. We will observe
those changes each month by noting what plants are in flower and we’ll discuss how yearly weather variation provides
opportunity for a variety of species to thrive. Easy, rolling terrain.
July, August and September phenology field trip dates and leaders TBA.
Time: 1 – 3 pm
Leader: Brandon Mann westboundb@yahoo.com 413 427-4099
Directions: From the intersection of Hwy 12 and County PF west of Sauk City, go west on PF 1.5 miles to a small dirt lane
and parking area south of the road. Enter Schluckebier Prairie in map app.
June 26 (Sunday)
Birds & Flowers of Underwood & Schurch-Thomson Prairies
Iowa Co., WI
Come see upland prairies rich with early summer prairie flowers such as palepurple coneflower, white wild indigo, white prairie clover, and others which
should be in bloom at that time. The preserve is in a 400-acre sea of CRP
grassland teaming with grassland birds such as bobolinks, meadowlarks,
grasshopper sparrows, upland sandpipers, and Henslow’s sparrows, so bring
binoculars. Schurch-Thomson Prairie, which is a part of TPE’s 570-acre
Mounds View Grassland preserve, and the adjacent Underwood Prairie which
is privately owned by the Hanley Family Trust, are managed by the Empire Sauk Chapter. Be prepared for a long hike and steep slopes.
Time: 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Trip Leader: Rich Henderson (608-845-7065 or tpe.rhenderson@tds.net)
Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy 18-151 and County F (south of
Blue Mounds in western Dane County), take F approximately 5 miles south. Turn right onto Reilly Road, and proceed
to parking lot and kiosks at the end of the road (past the barn). (Note: A half mile down F from 18-151, pay close
attention to the road signs, for F turns to the right & the straight ahead road becomes County Z. Stay on F.) Enter
“Reilly Road, Barneveld, WI” in map app.
July 4 (Monday)
Butterflies and Dragonflies of Swamp-Lovers Preserve
Dane County, WI
Celebrate July 4th at this beautiful private preserve that consists of remnant and
restored wetlands, remnant bluff prairie, restored tall grass prairie, and dry hilly
oak-hickory woodland. In past years, we have observed an impressive variety
of dragonflies and butterflies as we explored the different habitats. Bring
binoculars (close-focusing ones work best). (We will have a few extra
binoculars.) Bring your own lunch and beverages to enjoy when we finish the
trip by driving up to the bluff-top picnic shelter. This is a joint trip of SWBA
and The Prairie Enthusiasts.
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Leaders: Tod Highsmith, Karl and Dorothy Legler. Call Karl Legler at (608) 643-4926 or cell (608) 228-0743 only if you
have a question about the trip or if the weather is questionable.
Directions: Travel west from Cross Plains on Hwy 14. Just outside town take County KP to the right (north), go about 1.3
miles and turn left at the Swamp Lovers sign.
The Prairie Enthusiasts Field Trip Guide – Spring/Summer 2016
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Chapter Picnic and Meinert’s Prairie
July 5 (Tuesday)
Winnebago County, IL
All are invited to the Prairie Bluff Chapter’s summer picnic and tour of
Meinert’s Prairie. Hosts of this annual affair are Linda and Nick Faessler.
First we carpool for an easy half-hour hike at the privately-owned prairie
across the state line to see New Jersey tea, lead plant and compass plant, and
then back to the farm for Linda’s famous chicken barbeque. Bring a dish to
pass.
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Trip leader: Nick Faessler (608-214-3852).
Directions: Meet at the Faesslers’ farm at W1156 State Line Road (go south on
Hwy G from Hwy 11-81 between Juda and Brodhead).
July 6 (Wednesday)
Evening at Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie
Dane County, WI
Join us for a summertime trip to this high-quality prairie remnant. A spectacular
display of butterfly milkweed, leadplant, and coreopsis should be at its peak on
this summer evening. This site is a State Natural Area owned by The Prairie
Enthusiasts, and this trip is co-sponsored by Madison Audubon Society.
Time: 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Leaders: Kathie and Tom Brock; call (608)
238-5050 or email kmbrock@charter.net
Directions: From the Village of Black Earth take Country Hwy F south and west
through the village. Turn right on Fesenfeld Road. The preserve will be on the
left. Continue on about 1000 feet on Fesenfeld to the kiosk. Park off the road on
the right side. Enter 10241 Fesenfeld Road, Black Earth in map app.
We hope you can join us for several field trips this spring and early summer. This is a great opportunity
to enjoy these natural areas. The next Field Trip Flier will cover July 11 to September 30, 2016. Please
share your love of prairies and bring a friend! Field trips are also posted on our website www.ThePrairieEnthusiasts.org
Please contact trip leaders to confirm that the trip is still on.
The Prairie Enthusiasts Field Trip Guide – Spring/Summer 2016
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