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.

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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)

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How to Enjoy This Site

Allowed:

  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Hunting (see below for more information)

Not Allowed:

  • Collecting plants, animals or other natural material

How to Enjoy This Site

Allowed:

  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Hunting (see below for more information)

Not Allowed:

  • Collecting plants, animals or other natural material

     

    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. Not only is this rolling landscape abundant in prairie plants, but it’s also home to the Empire-Sauk Chapter’s rare plant seed orchard. 

    Rattlesnake master in the morning at Schurch-Thomson Prairie. Photo by Jim Wilson.

    How was Schurch-Thomson Prairie Protected

    Dennis and Joan Schurch Thomson remants had been preserved simply through “benign neglact,” as Dennis referred to it. Dennis recalls that when his parents first saw the remanants on his land in the 1970s, they were “agog” at the plants growing there. As Dennis and Joan lived in another state, they generously donated their 160 acres to The Prairie Enthusiasts in 2007, along with an endowment for managing the site. Their former dairy barn now houses equipment, serves as a prairie seed processing facility, and is sometimes a classroom. 

    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.

    Hunting Information

    Mounds View Grassland (Shea Property*, A-Z Farm, Schurch-Thomson Property, and Hanley Farm**)

    Location: Iowa County, Wisconsin
    Habitat: Grassland, cropland, brushland, wetlands and woods
    Species that may be hunted: 
    Permit Details: 

    • White tailed deer: bow, crossbow and muzzleloader seasons; no permit required
    • White-tailed deer: Rifle and shotgun seasons; permit required
    • Ring-necked Pheasant: All legal seasons; no permit required
    • Wild Turkey: All legal seasons; no permit required
    • Waterfowl: All legal seasons; no permit required
    • Rabbit, squirrel and racoon (at Shea Prairie only): All legal seasons; no permit required

    To apply for permits:

    Contact: Kristin Westad by email or 608-341-6713

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