Gentian Walk

Sunday, September 17th – 2:00 PM 

Location: Bluestem Farm, S5920 Lehman Rd., Baraboo, WI 53913

Rain Date: Tuesday, September 19th – 2:00 PM 

We love gentians and have included them in as many plantings as possible.  Bottle gentians were growing here naturally, but we quickly added downy, stiff, fringed, and cream gentians.  Our first planting here, in fall of 1988, was primarily prairie dropseed and a little bit of downy gentian.  See how we increased seed production of both species, both by nursery production and plantings.  Downy gentian seed production is limited not only by fire but by extensive insect predation.  Depending on the year and weather, our fringed gentians are on full display too.  If you also believe dropseed is difficult, be sure to see what can be done when seed production is a priority.

NOTE:

All field trips will look at plantings and restoration projects at various stages and with different management histories. Be prepared for weather, ticks, etc.  Hikes will be from 1/2 to 1 1/2 miles long, depending on what’s in bloom, where, and stamina of participants. Alternate date in case of severe weather.

DIRECTIONS

Meet at Bluestem Farm (S5920 Lehman Rd., Baraboo, WI 53913)

Blue mailbox with Bluestem Farm on south side of box.  Park by garage.  Be aware that many nice species grow along the driveway, particularly on the east side, including our gentians.

FIELD TRIP LEADER

Muffy Barrett or Scott Weber – 608-356-0179 (please leave a message).