Black Oak Removal at Kalscheur Oak Savanna

Saturday, February 28 – Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Kalscheur Oak Savanna near Hollandale, WI

Modern prescribed burning conditions often do not generate the intensity of fires that likely occurred historically. Recent fires have not top-killed many black oaks at Kalscheur Oak Savanna. As these trees are maturing, this threatens to change the site from a bur oak savanna to a black oak woodland. During this work party, we will cut black oaks that are crowding bur oaks and encroaching on prairie portions of the site.

WHAT TO BRING:
Please avoid wearing synthetic fiber clothing as we will be burning brush piles. Wear non-flammable cotton or wool outerwear, if possible. Feel free to bring a chainsaw and appropriate PPE if available. Non-sawyers can drag and pile cut materials to burn piles. All workers should have work gloves. Sturdy loppers may be useful too. Bring water.

WORK PARTY LEADER:
Pat Handrick, patrick.handrick@gmail.com; (c) 608.354.3467 (texting preferred). Please contact Pat if you are coming so they know how many to expect and who to contact in case of cancellation.

LOCATION:
From Hollandale, drive 2 miles south on CTH K. Watch for cars parked along the road near 596 County Road K – this is the neighbors’ house across the street from the The Prairie Enthusiasts’ access easement. Park as far as possible off the road. Look for The Prairie Enthusiasts sign at the start of the access easement next to the highway. Head downhill from there, following the cleared corridor. At the bottom of the hill, cross the bridge, then you should be able to see and hear the workers on the site.