Cutting and Treating Brush

Sunday, December 31 — 9:00 a.m. to Noon 

Location: Eldred Prairie

Are you interested in getting some fresh air and exercise, as well as doing something useful before beginning your New Year’s Eve celebrations? If all or part of this seems like a good way to finish up 2023, please join us at Eldred Prairie! Feel free to arrive whenever it works for you and if you want to work later that, of course, works as well.

We were inspired to do this when two UW Platteville students told me they planned to work out there that day. Let’s join them and support their efforts and energy!

We will be cutting and treating oak grubs that are becoming too dominant in parts of the property. Oak grubs are sprouts that have been burned or mowed for many years. The root system continues to grow stronger and over the years one stem becomes a bushy 10 or 15. To kill them we cut and treat the stems. Some volunteers can cut and others treat. Cutting works most quickly with a mechanical brush cutter, though loppers can be used.. The herbicide is then spread on the stems with a spray bottle or other chemical applicator. We are winning the battle with these tough and persistent nasties, but there are parts of the property we still need to hit.

WHAT TO BRING:

Please bring whatever brush cutters, loppers and chemical applicators that you have.. We will provide the chemical and will plan to have some extras of other equipment.

WORK PARTY LEADER

If weather makes it uncertain whether we will work or if you have other questions, please contact Jack Kussmaul at: EMAIL 608-988-4309

DIRECTIONS:

Eldred Prairie is located on Lincoln Road, east of Lancaster, WI.

The easiest way to get there is from Highway 129. Highway 129 is the bypass that runs north and south just east of Lancaster, diverting traffic from Highway 61.

If coming from the north, Lincoln Road is approximately 1% miles south of the intersection with Highway 61. Coming from the south, it is approximately 1 mile from the intersection of Highway 61 to Lincoln Road.

Turn east on Lincoln Road. Eldred Prairie is just over 2 miles on Lincoln Road. It is on the north side of the road and is obviously a natural area. The entrance to drive in is at the eastern end of the property.