Participants can visit two prairies – a lower wet mesic creekside 12-acre prairie which is separated by a steep woodland from a drier 14-acre hilltop prairie. The creekside prairie supports a variety of forbs with Indian grass and big bluestem grass being dominant. Cupplant, Compass plant, and Wild White Indigo are frequent.The hilltop prairie is bordered on the South slope by a rare remnant Chinquapin Oak savanna which in August should show a strong violet coloration from prominent Illinois Tick trefoil and other blooming forbs.

After the prairie walk, a visit to the Potosi Brewery at 209 S Main St for refreshments is recommended.

This event is proudly part of Land Trust Days.

DIFFICULTY:
The creekside prairie is relatively level and accessible on foot. Access to the hilltop prairie requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Richard can transport participants in his vehicle as needed to take advantage of the amazing vista.

WHAT TO BRING:
Water, sunscreen, bugspray, hat and binoculars recommended.

CONTACT:
For questions, contact Becky Fernette at bspence@tds.net.

LOCATION:
Take County road O out of Potosi/Tennyson about one mile and turn left onto Rockville Road.  For parking, proceed to the third driveway to the left off of Rockville Road with our log house visible in the background. A steel footbridge is the access to the house. Fire number 5353 is posted at the second exit which will take you over a bumpy drive directly to the log house.  Access to the hilltop can be done on foot (steep hike) or driving up the first exit off of Rockville Road, (4 wheel drive). We’ll meet at the log house for introductions before going into the prairies.