by The Prairie Enthusiasts | May 29, 2026
Hahnaman Sand Prairie Site Tour
Monday, June 22 – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Hahnaman Sand Prairie in Deer Grove, IL
Join the Northwest Illinois Chapter as we visit the Hahnaman Sand Prairie owned by a foundation that was created by member Greg Wahl.
Hahnaman Sand Prairie is a mixture of habitats, with most of it being sand prairie. There are several remnants on the property and many acres of planted prairie. Greg has identified 386 species on his property. We are hoping to see a large display of blooming pale purple coneflowers, but Mother Nature will decide that. There are always blooms out on the prairie, so we’re sure to find something flowering. We also hope to see some prairie critters, including butterflies, birds and possibly some reptiles.
We will meet at Greg’s shed, a newly remodeled building with running water (drinking water), restroom facilities, and maybe air conditioning!! We’ll start the tour with Greg giving us a quick overview of the prairie and then we’ll venture out into the prairie.
The prairie is accessible by 4WD (and AWD – if necessary) vehicles; Greg is able to accommodate a good number of people with his truck and UTV, but we may need additional vehicles if we have a large turnout. We’ll stop at several of Greg’s favorite spots for prairie viewing and then head back to the shed for more discussion about the foundations plans for the property. Our hope is to be out in the prairie while it’s still relatively cool.
Please bring a lunch with you to eat while we’re back at the shed. After we have finished our lunch and discussion we’ll head out. For those that are interested in additional touring, we’ll make a quick stop at Foley Sand Prairie, a dedicated Nature Preserve just down the road from Hahnaman Sand Prairie.
WHAT TO BRING:
Please bring your lunch, water/beverage, insect repellent, and dress to be out in the prairie.
CONTACT:
We would like to know how many people will be joining us on this tour, so please contact Laura Dufford (lauradufford@gmail.com) with your name, phone number, and how many people will be joining you. We will cancel if weather looks extreme. You’ll be contacted as early as possible if that’s the case. Hahnaman Sand Prairie is quite a distance from Jo Daviess County, so we may wish to carpool. Please let Laura know if you’d like to be included in carpool arrangements.
LOCATION:
Hahnaman Prairie is located at: 30922 Jersey Rd, Deer Grove, IL. We will meet at Greg’s shed at 10:00 a.m. MAP HERE
by Evanne Hunt | May 27, 2026
Effects of prescribed fire on prairie plants
Harvey Halvorsen will take us on a tour around the Hawkins Cemetery to see the effects of an April prescribed fire on the plant life. The cream indigo is in full bloom.
Cream indigo
Date: June 3 (Wednesday)
Time: 6pm – 7:30pm
Address: 683 150th St, Roberts, WI 54023
Map to location
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
