This is the first in a series of hikes to explore the effects of burning. The 4-acre burn unit we’ll look at is a combination of oak woodland and bluff prairie that has been burned 6 times in the last 11 years. There is a refugia area that has only been burned once in recent times (>100 years ago?). The early-summer flowering species like coreopsis, leadplant and purple prairie clover should be in bloom. On our way up, we can look at and talk about the 25-acres of reconstructed prairie on old cropland. A light lunch will be provided after the hike. If joining for the lunch, please be certain to RSVP.

WHAT TO BRING:
Water, sun protection, a hat, insect repellent, and long pants and hiking shoes are recommended.

FIELD TRIP LEADER:
Jim Rogala (jrogala58@gmail.com). RSVPs are appreciated for planning purposes, especially for lunch.

DIFFICULTY:
We will ascend a couple hundred feet, but we’ll be on mowed firebreaks below and on a logging road through the woods on a moderate slope. The bluff prairie is steeper, but hikers can stay on the ridgetop once up there.

DIRECTIONS:
W603 Kirking Road, Rockland, WI. Turn onto Kirking Road (unmarked) off Hwy J about 3 miles south of Rockland. Hopefully there will be an event sign on the corner. Park along the road by the driveway leading up to the red shack. Google Maps link