Schurch-Thomson Prairie

This site is a 193-acre farm in the Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area with mix of prairie, savanna, woodland, and agricultural fields that provides habitat for several rare and endangered species. It has over 220 species of native plants and supports many butterflies and other prairie insects, as well as rare grassland birds and animals like the badger and bull snake.

In spring, the prairie remnants are covered with tens of thousands of shooting stars, a native prairie wildflower. Continued restoration and management will remove invasive species that threaten the health of the prairie and savanna remnants and restore water quality in the stream that runs through the property.

The Prairie Enthusiasts volunteers have been working with Dennis and Joan Schurch Thomson for about 20 years to restore the original prairies and savannas on the farm. The Schurch-Thomson Prairie was dedicated during a ceremony on June 9, 2007.