Come see an abundance of monarch butterflies, nectaring, mating, and depositing eggs. We will also be looking for caterpillars and chrysalises. We will be hiking through 25-acres of Schurch-Thomson Prairie that has ample whorled and common milkweed that attracts 100s of monarchs every year. We will also be encountering prairie wildflowers, other butterfly species, bumblebees, and grassland birds.

DIFFICULTY: Be prepared for a mile long hike (some off trail) with gradual changes in elevation.

WHAT TO BRING:

Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, long pants, sturdy shoes, and binoculars.

TRIP LEADER:

Contact Rich Henderson (tpe.rhenderson@tds.net) or (608) 845-7065. If you plan to attend this field trip, please let the trip leader know at least 12 hours in advance, in case of last-minute changes in the schedule or cancelation due to severe weather. Also contact him if you have questions.

LOCATION:

Address is 8624 Reilly Road, Barneveld.  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.)