by Evanne Hunt | Aug 17, 2026
Help collect prairie seed
Elymus hystrix (bottlebrush grass)
We will meet at the Alexander oak savanna parking lot, then car pool to a nearby roadside to collect Bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix).
Date: August 19 (Wednesday)
Time: 10am – Noon
We have collection buckets!
You may want gloves! The grass is kindof pokey!
Directions: Take highway 35 south towards River Falls.
Take highway 65 south (35 turns into 65) toward Ellsworth.
Gravel road entrance is on the right just after the Town of River Falls town hall.
Map
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Aug 14, 2026
West Dane Conservancy Field Trip
Sunday, August 30 – 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: West Dane Conservancy in Black Earth, WI
Come walk the ridgetop prairies. Late summer asters and goldenrods should be at peak along with gentians and many other species gone to seed.
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring water, hat, and sunscreen. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes.
TRIP LEADER:
For questions and to RSVP, contact Doug Steege (608) 213-9641.
DIRECTIONS:
West Dane Conservancy is located at 4987 Reeve Road, Black Earth Township.
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Aug 14, 2026
Sugar River Oak Savanna Hike
Sunday, August 30 – 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Location: Sugar River Oak Savanna in Dane County, WI
Come see what six million acres of southern and western Wisconsin once looked like. Rough blazingstar and a variety of early prairie asters and goldenrods should be in bloom. This diverse 9-acre preserve of The Prairie Enthusiasts has had frequent fire since 1976, which has recovered a rich flora of nearly 400 native plant species.
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring water, hat, and sunscreen. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes.
TRIP LEADER:
For questions and to RSVP, contact Rich Henderson (tpe.rhenderson@tds.net) (h) 608-845-7065. If you plan to attend this field trip, please let the trip leader know at least 12 hours in advance, in case of last-minute changes in the schedule or cancelation due to severe weather. Also contact him if you have questions.
DIRECTIONS:
From the intersection of CTH M and PD (north of Verona and SW of Madison) take PD west 3.0 miles to Timber Lane, turn right (north) on to Timber Lane and then immediately turn left into a joint driveway. Proceed to the brick house (2845 Timber Lane). Park in mowed lawn (please do not block the neighbor’s driveway).
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Aug 14, 2026
Blue Mounds State Park to Parrish Oak Savanna Field Trip
Saturday, August 29 – Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Blue Mounds State Park, Pleasure Valley Conservancy and Parrish Oak Savanna in Blue Mounds, WI
This hike is a joint event with Blue Mounds Area Project.
The 4-hour through-hike starts at Blue Mound State Park, moves through Pleasure Valley Conservancy and ends at the Parrish Oak Savanna. Explore the local geology and ecology and see some excellent land management that involves the hard work of state and county government, local non-profits, and private citizens. The Blue Mound Park trip includes a 5-mile hike from the East Tower over to Brigham County Park and completely traverses Pleasure Valley Conservancy ending at the top of Parrish Oak Savanna.
Geology enthusiasts may wish to download the Rockd app prior to the hike to help provide them with bedrock geology information.
This is a free event.
LEARN MORE AND RSVP HERE
DIFFICULTY: The hike will be uneven and hilly and walking poles may be useful for those that use them. A short water and bathroom break will be made at Brigham County Park.
WHAT TO BRING:
Wear long pants and bring water, hat, and sunscreen.
FIELD TRIP LEADER:
Ken Wade (608) 767-3111 or (kenneth.wade@tds.net).
DIRECTIONS:
Meet at The Prairie Enthusiasts Parrish Oak Savanna parking lot located on a wide shoulder area along Moyer Road 1/8 mile west from County Road F. Arrival prior to 12:00 will be helpful to allow time to organize the car shuttle to the East Tower parking area at Blue Mound State Park. Shuttle drivers to Blue Mound State Park will need a park sticker or daily pass.
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Aug 14, 2026
Schurch-Thomson Prairie Field Trip
Sunday, August 23 – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Schurch-Thomson Prairie in Barneveld, WI
Come for a hike into a portion of The Prairie Enthusiasts’ 830-acre Mounds View Grassland preserve. We will see the progress being made in bringing back to life degraded remnant prairies, converting non-native, cool-season grass to native prairie. We will see the progress being made in bringing back to life degraded remnant prairies, converting non-native, cool-season grass to native prairie. We will encounter rich displays of late-summer prairie flowers, such as cream gentian, rough blazingstar, and more. Along the way, we will also have opportunities to see butterflies and bumblebees.
DIFFICULTY: Be prepared for a long hike, some off trail and steep slopes. Prepare for moderate hiking over uneven terrain.
WHAT TO BRING:
We recommend long pants, sturdy shoes, a hat, water and sunscreen. Bring binoculars if you have them.
TRIP LEADER:
Contact Rich Henderson (tpe.rhenderson@tds.net) or (608) 845-7065. If you plan to attend this field trip, please let the trip leader know at least 12 hours in advance, in case of last-minute changes in the schedule or cancelation due to severe weather. Also contact him if you have questions.
LOCATION:
Address is 8624 Reilly Road, Barneveld. From the intersection of US Hwy 18-151 and County F (south of Blue Mounds in western Dane County), take F approximately 5 miles south. Turn right onto Reilly Road and proceed to parking lot and kiosks at the end of the road (past the barn). (Note: A half mile down F from 18-151, pay close attention to the road signs, for F turns to the right & the straight ahead road becomes County Z. Stay on F.)
