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
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).
