GLACIAL PRAIRIE FIELD TRIP
Hike with Ecologist, Dan Carter
Sunday, June 4th – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Smith-Reiner Prairie
Our first field trip of the season will be at the Smith-Reiner Prairie. Dr. Dan Carter will lead this hike, so don’t miss this opportunity to learn from TPE’s resident botanist /ecologist (and Glacial Prairie Chapter member!) As a bonus, Gary Birch, site manager for this site and member of the Empire Sauk Chapter, will also be present.
Smith-Reiner Drumlin Prairie contains 13 acres of upland prairie remnants with 106 native plant species that are on two northeast to southwest-oriented glacially sculpted ridges (drumlins). Also present are 27 acres planted to cool-season grass that are entered into the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Conservation Reserve Program. The tract is located in the middle of what once was a 7,000 acre treeless prairie. The drumlins are composed of glacial till, including deposits of sand and gravel, making for a blend of dry, dry-mesic, and even a few small pockets of mesic prairie of varying soil pH. In late summer, Smith Drumlin Prairie has massive displays of dwarf and rough blazing star. There are also populations of rattlesnake master, compass plant, rosinweed, and prairie lily. The site is used by many grassland birds of Greatest Conservation Need. Eight species of prairie-specialist leaf hoppers are known from the site, including one that feeds exclusively on prairie dropseed.
This field trip will be limited to 12 prairie enthusiasts so that it can be a learning experience for all.
If you want to reserve a spot for this event, email Alice at: aimirk68@icloud.com
The first 12 people to email Alice will have their reservation and a confirmation email.