Schurch-Thomson Prairie
This site is a 193-acre farm in the Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area with mix of prairie, savanna, woodland, and agricultural fields that provides habitat for several rare and endangered species. It has over 220 species of native plants and supports many butterflies and other prairie insects, as well as rare grassland birds and animals like the badger and bull snake.
A bird looks out over Schurch-Thomson Prairie. Photo by Ron Lutz II.
Schurch-Thomson Prairie
A bird looks out over Schurch-Thomson Prairie. Photo by Ron Lutz II.
This site is a 193-acre farm in the Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area with mix of prairie, savanna, woodland, and agricultural fields that provides habitat for several rare and endangered species. It has over 220 species of native plants and supports many butterflies and other prairie insects, as well as rare grassland birds and animals like the badger and bull snake.
Access & Directions
This site lies along Reilly Road off of County Highway F, south of Barneveld. Parking location denoted with a “P” on the map. Address is: 8624 Reilly Rd, Barneveld, WI. This site is part of Mounds View Grassland.
Site Steward
Connect with the site steward to see how you can care for this rare habitat at an upcoming work party.
This site is stewarded by The Prairie Enthusiasts Empire-Sauk Chapter.
Site Steward: Rich Henderson: (608) 845-7065 or (Email)
How to Enjoy This Site
Allowed:
- Outdoor Recreation
- Hunting: Ring-Necked Pheasant (all seasons; no permit required)
- Hunting: Wild Turkey (spring only; no permit required)
- Hunting: Waterfowl (all seasons; no permit required)
- Hunting: White Tailed Deer (bow, crossbow, muzzleloader; no permit required)
- Hunting: White Tailed Deer (Rifle, Shotgun; permit required)
How to Enjoy This Site
Allowed:
- Outdoor Recreation
- Hunting: Ring-Necked Pheasant (all seasons; no permit required)
- Hunting: Wild Turkey (spring only; no permit required)
- Hunting: Waterfowl (all seasons; no permit required)
- Hunting: White Tailed Deer (bow, crossbow, muzzleloader; no permit required)
- Hunting: White Tailed Deer (Rifle, Shotgun; permit required)
Coneflowers at Schurch-Thomson Prairie. Photo by Tim Eisele.
What Makes Schurch-Thomson Prairie Special
In spring, the prairie remnants are covered with tens of thousands of shooting stars, a native prairie wildflower.
Rattlesnake master in the morning at Schurch-Thomson Prairie. Photo by Jim Wilson.
How was Schurch-Thomson Prairie Protected
The Prairie Enthusiasts volunteers have been working with Dennis and Joan Schurch Thomson for about 20 years to restore the original prairies and savannas on the farm. The Schurch-Thomson Prairie was dedicated during a ceremony on June 9, 2007.
Rich Henderson with Dennis and Joan Schurch Thomson. Photo by unknown photographer.
How You Can Help Schurch-Thomson Prairie
Continued restoration and management will remove invasive species that threaten the health of the prairie and savanna remnants and restore water quality in the stream that runs through the property.
Check out our Events Calendar to see upcoming work parties or contact the site steward to get involved.
Burn crew at Schurch-Thomson Prairie. Photo by Paul Kaarakka.