EMPIRE-SAUK FIELD TRIP
Flowers, Birds and Bees at Schurch-Thomson Prairie
Friday, May 30 – 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Schurch-Thomson Prairie in Barneveld, WI
Come hike into the secluded valley of Schurch-Thomson Prairie. Late-spring wildflowers such as shooting star, cream wild indigo, puccoons, wood betony, and alumroot should be in bloom with queen bumblebees of serval species active in collecting pollen and nectar to establish their colonies. Schurch-Thomson Prairie is a 193-acre unit of The Prairie Enthusiasts’ 830-acre Mounds View Grassland preserve. The hike will include extensive grassland bird habitat filled with bobolinks, meadowlarks, grasshopper sparrows, upland sandpipers, and Henslow’s sparrows.
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring binoculars, long pants, sturdy shoes, and be prepared for a long hike.
FIELD TRIP LEADER:
For questions and to RSVP, contact Rich Henderson (h) 608-845-7065. 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.
DIRECTIONS:
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 the parking lot and kiosks at the end of the road (pass 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.)