by Evanne Hunt | May 13, 2026
Effects of prescribed fire on savanna plants
Alex Bouthilet will take us on a tour of Alexander Oak Savanna to see the effects of prescribed fire on the plant life.
Date: May 30 (Saturday)
Time: 1pm – 2pm
Over the years, many of you have helped us on cold winter days to restore the Alexander oak savanna. Here is an opportunity to become acquainted with the site in the late spring.
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 | May 8, 2026
Swenson Bluffs Preserve Field Trip
Sunday, May 17 – 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Location: Swenson Bluffs Preserve in Arena, WI
Swenson Hill Prairie is a spectacular large bluff prairie noted for its steepness and lack of exotic species that should be in spectacular spring bloom on this weekend. Acquired by TPE in 2017, this is an orientation for those not familiar to the site as well as a tour of its diversity and management challenges.
The focus of this trip is the big hill prairie visible from County Highway H. The bluff was burned in April, and the prairie spring ephemerals should be on full display. We may also have time to visit Shooting Star Prairie, a smaller remnant that is also part of the preserve.
Two years ago, this field trip wandered through wet grass between full-on rain showers before and after. Let’s hope for clear weather this year. There will be a challenging hill climb.
WHAT TO BRING:
Dress for the sun and for chiggers.
TRIP LEADER:
Scott Sauer, scottbsauer@yahoo.com, 608.772.3539. Contact Scott for directions, meeting location and/or to arrange travel from the Madison area.
DIRECTIONS:
The property is approximately 1.5 miles south of Highway 14 on County H, west of the village of Arena. Highway 14 is the main route, but from the south, one can also reach the site from Ridgeway via County Hwy H, or from Barneveld via County Hwy T.
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | May 8, 2026
Pleasure Valley Oak Savanna Fire Effects Tour
Saturday, May 16 – Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Pleasure Valley Conservancy, WI
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:
For questions and/or to RSVP, contact Rob Schubert or Pat Trochlell (608-767-3111).
DIRECTIONS:
Meet at 10747 Moyer Road, Blue Mounds, Wisconsin.
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | May 1, 2026
Tiffany Bottoms Train Ride
Saturday, May 16 – 8:00 a.m. to Noon
Location: Chippewa Valley Motor Car Association in Durand, WI
Join us for an open-air mini train ride through remote areas of the 13,000-acre Tiffany Wildlife Area! This event is a Fundraiser for The Prairie Enthusiasts Chippewa Savannas Chapter. Proceeds will support our Chapter’s local prairie and savanna restoration efforts and educational events.
To learn more and to register for this event, CLICK HERE!
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Apr 17, 2026
Mother’s Day Hike on Holland Sand Prairie
Sunday, May 10 – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Holland Sand Prairie near Holmen, WI
What better way to share part of the special day with mothers than on a prairie full of early blooming species! Because of the sandy soils, grasses have not greatly altered the density of low-growing species like pasqueflower, violets, and prairie smoke on this 61-acre sand prairie. Owned by the Town of Holland, with an easement with Mississippi Valley Conservancy, it is one of the properties our Chapter helps manage.
WHAT TO BRING:
Water, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and anything else to be comfortable.
CONTACT:
Contact Jim Rogala (email) with any questions.
LOCATION:
DETAILS HERE
