Come see the early-season flowers of this 19-acre preserve.  This site was protected by TPE in 1994 and is currently managed by the Empire-Sauk Chapter.  It is topographically diverse with a south-facing aspect and is covered by scattered oak trees and prairie openings.  At the base of the slope, springs and ground-water seeps flow 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 of lost prairie and savanna species, recovery is coming along nicely.  So far, 249 native plant species have been identified on site.  Shooting star, cream Baptisia, columbine, wood-betony, bird’s-foot & prairie violets, yellow star-grass, and other early wildflowers should be in bloom.

WHAT TO WEAR/BRING:

Be prepared for off trail hiking.

WORK PARTY LEADER:

If you plan to attend, 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 them if you have questions.

Rich Henderson EMAIL or 608-845-7065

DIRECTIONS:

From the Village of Hollandale in southeastern Iowa Co, take County Road K south from Hwy 39 for 2.44 miles.  Look for a small TPE sign on the left (northeast) side of the road.  Note: the preserve entrance is ¼ mi past the bridge over Olson Creek on County K.  Parking is along the road, be sure to park at least 3 ft off pavement.  We will be hiking in from there.