by The Prairie Enthusiasts | May 21, 2026
Shooting Star Bonanza at Hauser Road Prairie
Saturday, May 23 – 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Hauser Road Prairie in Waunakee, WI
The Hauser Road Prairie, just north of Waunakee, harbors tens of thousands of shooting stars (Dodecatheon meadia). Join us for a walk on this 45-acre remnant prairie (formerly lightly pastured) to revel in the show display. In addition to the shooting stars, the site has more than 230 native prairie plant species, including heart-leaved golden alexanders, hoary puccoon, and bird’s-foot violet that should be in bloom at the same time. Over ten years of restoration have greatly improved the site, which now provides habitat for 26 state-listed species. Occupying the highest point in the township, the prairie has held special significance for more than a century. The second road in the state passes through the eastern portion of the property, and from its summit, a glorious view of the state capital is visible.
WHAT TO BRING:
Sunscreen, bugspray, sunglasses, hat, binoculars and anything else to be comfortable on this walk.
CONTACT:
Contact Randy Hoffman with questions at (608) 216-3136 or curlew@hotmail.com.
LOCATION:
Meet along Hauser Road, located north of Waunakee. Take Hwy 113 north from the intersection with Hwy 19 for 2.5 miles, then make a right turn on Madigan Road, then another right onto Hauser Road. Park on the shoulder near the crest of the hill.
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | May 20, 2026
Prairie Walk at Mounds View Grassland
Thursday, May 21 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Mounds View Grassland in Barneveld, WI
Come hike into Schurch-Thomson Prairie and other parts of TPE’s Mounds View Grassland. An abundance of shooting stars and other spring flowers will be on display. There will be opportunities to enjoy many species of grassland and savanna birds, butterflies, and bumblebees.
WHAT TO BRING:
Be prepared for a long hike (some off trail) and bring binoculars (the closer they can focus the better for butterfly and bee viewing).
CONTACT:
Rich Henderson, 608-235-4165
DIRECTIONS:
8624 Reilly Rd, 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, 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.)
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | May 20, 2026
Prairie Hike at Sugar River Oak Savanna
Thursday, May 14 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Sugar River Oak Savanna in Dane County, WI
This diverse 9-acre oak savanna preserve of The Prairie Enthusiasts has been managed with frequent fire since 1976. This has brought about a very diverse flora of prairie and savanna flora of nearly 400 native plant species. A variety of early-spring wildflowers should be in bloom.
WHAT TO BRING:
Comfortable footwear for walking and tick repellant. Water.
For questions and to RSVP, contact Rich Henderson (tpe.rhenderson@tds.net) (h) 608-845-7065. If you plan to attend, 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.
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 | May 18, 2026
Butterflies of Borah Creek Prairie SNA
Saturday, September 12 – 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Rain Date Saturday, September 19
Location: Borah Creek Prairie in Fennimore, WI
Come enjoy the beauty of Borah Creek Prairie and connect with others in our community! Borah Creek Prairie includes 181 acres of scenic remnant prairie, offering a rare glimpse into the rolling grasslands of the past. The property is excellent for native plant, bird, and butterfly enthusiasts.
A portable toilet is located at the bottom of the prairie near the barn.
This event is hosted by the Southwest Wisconsin Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts. Additional sponsors of this event include the Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association (SWBA) and Gathering Waters Land Trust. This event is proudly part of Land Trust Days.
DIFFICULTY:
The main trail is relatively easy, though other trails may be more rigorous. Vehicle traffic on the trail will be limited to enhance the butterfly experience.
WHAT TO BRING:
Long pants, long sleeves, a hat, insect repellent, hiking shoes, and binoculars.
The barn will be open for lunch following the field trip. Please bring your own lunch; coolers will be provided in the parking area and transported to the barn for you.
CONTACT:
This prairie tour is led by Donna Williams-Richter and Lindsey Dalton. Please register your intent to attend and join us for lunch by contacting Donna at dowiri124@gmail.com.
LOCATION:
11949 Mt. Ridge Rd, Fennimore, WI. From Fennimore, head west on US Hwy 18. Turn left onto Cemetery Rd and right onto Mount Ridge Rd for approximately 3 miles. The access road is on the right. MAP HERE
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | May 14, 2026
Sylvan Road Conservation Area Prairie Walk
Sunday, August 16 – 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Rain Date Sunday, August 23
Location: Sylvan Road Conservation Area in Hollandale, WI
Site Steward Tom Hunt invites participants to saunter through this diverse property owned by The Prairie Enthusiasts. Purchased in 2014, this site features oak woods, wet prairie, and riparian scrub/young forest. The wet prairie consists of wet mesic prairie, wet prairie, and sedge meadow and contains a number of species rarely found in Wisconsin, including Rattlesnake master, Yellow-headed fox sedge, and Prairie gray sedge. Prairie Indian plantain, a threatened species, is also found in this plant community.
This event is proudly part of Land Trust Days.
DIFFICULTY:
Terrain is fairly level with mowed and cleared trails.
WHAT TO BRING:
Waterproof footwear is recommended as some areas may be muddy. Water, sunscreen, bugspray, hat and binoculars recommended.
CONTACT:
You should email Tom Hunt if you plan to join this event. That way, if anything changes with the weather, etc. you will be informed.
LOCATION:
1574 Banner Rd, Hollandale, WI. MAP HERE
