Come explore the newest 40-acre addition to The Prairie Enthusiasts’ 140-acre Erbe Grassland. We will explore a diverse remnant of dry prairie on dolomite bedrock with a large, showy display of dwarf or cylindrical blazing star (Liatris cylindracea). We will also see prairie plantings with hundreds of thousands of blooming compass plants. There will be opportunities to see and hear several species of grassland birds raising their 2nd or possibly 3rd batch of young, such as dickcissels, meadowlarks, sedge wrens, and Henslow’s sparrows. If we are fortunate, we may even get a glimpse of the endangered regal fritillary butterfly. Should there be enough room in 4-wheel drive vehicles, with at least modest ground clearance, we can rider share into the remnant on a mowed access lane and save having to do a 1.5 mi long round-trip hike.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate hiking over uneven terrain.

WHAT TO BRING:

Be prepared for some off trail hiking. Bring water, hat, sunscreen, long pants, sturdy shoes, and binoculars.