by The Prairie Enthusiasts | May 20, 2026
Pollinator Picnic
Saturday, July 25 – 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Montello, WI
Ripon College Professor Ben Grady will lead an educational walk through the prairies at John Muir County Park in Marquette County. Ben will identify various bee species to help you increase your knowledge on pollinators. This park is land maintained by DNR and includes a natural play area for children and bathrooms.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate
WHAT TO BRING:
Your lunch, water, tick spray.
CONTACT:
Please contact Cheri Salzberg at Salzbergcheri@gmail.com if you have questions or want to join.
LOCATION:
John Muir County Park
N1424 Co Rd F, Montello, WI 53949
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | May 20, 2026
Walk About on the White River Pine Barrens
Sunday, June 14 – 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Wautoma in Waushara County, WI
This White River Fishery area is a project under consideration by our Chapter for increased participation in the restoration work. The Prairie Enthusiasts Ecologist, Dan Carter and two members of our Chapter Marc and Leigh Johnson toured the site earlier this year. Here’s your opportunity to see our future work parties.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate
WHAT TO BRING:
Water and tick spray.
CONTACT:
Please contact Cheri Salzberg at Salzbergcheri@gmail.com if you have questions or want to join.
LOCATION:
Pine Barrens at the White River Fishery Area on the northeast side of County C across from the intersection with County T, Town of Wautoma, Waushara County, WI
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
