Summer is here and the time it right for many species on the prairie. The Prairie Enthusiasts take pride in restoring biodiversity to our Midwestern prairie and oak savanna communities. Here are a few images that captured our attention this past month. Hope they remind you to get out on the prairie. There is so much to see and share.

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus).  Photo by Amy Chamberlin

Pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida).  Photo by Stephen Winter

Looking for a nest site: snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina).  Photo by Stephen Winter 

Sulphur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) with unidentified beetle and caterpillar. Photo by Joe Rising

Bitter Milkwort (Polygala polygamy) and Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos). Photo by Pamala Maher 

Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum), found on Moely Prairie.  Photo by Amy Chamberlin

Monarch Butterfly caterpillar found on Moely Prairie.  Photo by Amy Chamberlin

Tuberous Grass-pink (Calopogon tubersous) found at Crex Meadows, Burnett County, Wisconsin. Photo by Joe Rising 

Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea) at Crex Meadows.  Photo by Joe Rising

Leadplant (Amorpha canescensat Crex Meadows.  Photo by Joe Rising

Prairie Rose (Rosa arkansana) at Crex Meadows.  Photo by Joe Rising

Harlequin Blueflag Iris (Iris versicolorat Crex Meadows. Photo by Joe Rising

American Water-Lily (Nymphaeca odorata) at Crex Meadows.  Photo by Joe Rising

Prairie Road at Crex Meadows, Burnett County, Wisconsin. Photo by Joe Rising

Crex Meadows, Burnett County, Wisconsin.   Photo by Joe Rising