by Evanne Hunt | Aug 19, 2026
Effects of prescribed fire on savanna plants
Alex Bouthilet will lead a group of Master Naturalists on a tour of Alexander Oak Savanna.
This interpretive hike explores a savanna ecosystem that has been managed with prescribed fire. Along the trail, hikers can observe how controlled burns influence plant communities by reducing invasive species, recycling nutrients, and promoting the growth of native grasses and wildflowers. Interpretive stops highlight the role of fire in maintaining healthy savanna habitats and the adaptations that allow many plants to thrive after a burn.
Location: Alexander Oak Savanna
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 | Aug 19, 2026
Property Tour with The Prairie Enthusiasts Ecologist Dan Carter
Friday, September 18 – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Wild Rose, WI
This 108 acre property, Maassen Karner Blue Karner Prairie has been restored by owner, Steve Maassen. The property includes a 30 acre prairie, 5 acres of wetland, a sandy-bottom pond and the balance in woodlands. The Prairie Enthusiasts will assess the property within the larger context of our land protection program.
Site includes: outhouse and picnic tables.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy
WHAT TO BRING:
Water, insect repellent, your lunch.
CONTACT:
To register or if you need help with directions, contact event host Cheri Salzberg at (Salzbergcheri@gmail.com) or (920) 901-3014.
LOCATION:
W5561 Beachnut, Wild Rose, WI
by Evanne Hunt | Aug 17, 2026
Help collect prairie seed
Elymus hystrix (bottlebrush grass)
We will meet at the Alexander oak savanna parking lot, then car pool to a nearby roadside to collect Bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix).
Date: August 19 (Wednesday)
Time: 10am – Noon
We have collection buckets!
You may want gloves! The grass is kindof pokey!
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 | Aug 14, 2026
West Dane Conservancy Field Trip
Sunday, August 30 – 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: West Dane Conservancy in Black Earth, WI
Come walk the ridgetop prairies. Late summer asters and goldenrods should be at peak along with gentians and many other species gone to seed.
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring water, hat, and sunscreen. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes.
TRIP LEADER:
For questions and to RSVP, contact Doug Steege (608) 213-9641.
DIRECTIONS:
West Dane Conservancy is located at 4987 Reeve Road, Black Earth Township.
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Aug 14, 2026
Sugar River Oak Savanna Hike
Sunday, August 30 – 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Location: Sugar River Oak Savanna in Dane County, WI
Come see what six million acres of southern and western Wisconsin once looked like. Rough blazingstar and a variety of early prairie asters and goldenrods should be in bloom. This diverse 9-acre preserve of The Prairie Enthusiasts has had frequent fire since 1976, which has recovered a rich flora of nearly 400 native plant species.
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring water, hat, and sunscreen. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes.
TRIP LEADER:
For questions and to RSVP, contact Rich Henderson (tpe.rhenderson@tds.net) (h) 608-845-7065. If you plan to attend this field trip, 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. Also contact him if you have questions.
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).
