Join us for a tour of remnant and restored oak savannas on this Driftless Area property. We will hike through several areas in various stages of ecological restoration. Learn how fire management has been used to restore and maintain these natural communities, which provide habitat for rare species. The tour will focus on areas where prescribed fire was implemented during fall 2025 through spring 2026 and observing the results of seasonality and frequency of fire implementation.

At this time of year, we can expect to see neotropical migrants and early spring wildflowers, like yellow-star grass and wild columbine. And sedges!

WHAT TO BRING:
We will be walking approximately 2.5 miles on trails over occasional steep terrain. Please bring water and appropriate footwear. Long pants and hat are recommended for protection against sun and ticks.

FIELD TRIP LEADERS:

Inspecting prairie plantings shortly after a spring burn is an excellent way to quickly assess how early emerging species are establishing. At this stage, they are easy to detect, and we can estimate numbers before other vegetation emerges and obscures them. Now is a good time to look for shooting star, nodding wild onion, needle-grass, prairie dropseed, sedges, prairie thistle, and all members of the umbel (Apiaceae) family, such as rattlesnake master, golden Alexander, angelic, cow parsnip, and yellow pimpernel.

There are many plantings at Mounds View Grassland. We will explore those that were burned this spring. You will learn how to identify these species as they emerge.

WHAT TO BRING:
Be prepared for a long walk, much of which will be off trail. Wear long pants and hiking boots/shoes. A hat, water and sunscreen are recommended.

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.)