Access & Directions

From Verona, head north on N Nine Mound Rd. Turn left onto McKeee Rd. in 1.8 miles, turn right onto Timber Ln. 

Google Map

Site Steward

Connect with the Chapter 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.

What Makes Sugar River Savanna Special

The orignal populations of the 400+ now found on the site were in very low numbers a few decades ago. However, with re-seeding from native populations in western and central Dane Conty, this site now boasts good populations of state-listed species among many others. 

A couple of insect speces not found anywhere else in teh state live there as do bluebirds, flickers, wood pewees and other savanna birds. 

How was Sugar River Savanna Protected

The Prairie Enthusiasts purchased this diverse oak savanna from Rich and Kathy Henderson in 2007. The Prairie Enthusiasts used a grant from the Wisconsin State Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. 

Sugar River Savanna started on the road to recovery in 1976, after 125 years of domestic livestock grazing. That year, the Hendersons applied the first prescribed burn. With frequent burning, coupled with inter-seeding over many years and some weed control work, the savanna has been greatly restored. 

How You Can Help Sugar River Savanna

Prescribed fire is regularly conducted on this site as well as continued invasive species management. 

Check out our Events Calendar to see upcoming work parties or contact the site steward to get involved.