by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Jul 27, 2026
Swenson Bluffs Preserve Field Trip
Saturday, August 15 – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Swenson Bluffs Preserve in Arena, WI
The Agaski unit of Swenson Bluffs Preserve is coming along nicely. The upper CRP field is amazing, and the lower 12-acre field has been planted to prairie. The endangered pale false foxglove (Agalinis skinneriana) should be blooming along with many other plants in these remnant bluff prairies.
DIFFICULTY: There will be a challenging hill climb with steep hillsides. Sturdy boots are required.
WHAT TO BRING:
We recommend long pants, sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water.
TRIP LEADER:
Eric Preston, (415) 235-4182 or (ericwpreston@gmail.com).
DIRECTIONS:
The address is 7344 Mellum Road. From Highway 14 just west of Arena, turn south on County Highway H. Travel 2.5 miles and turn left (east) on Mellum Road. In 0.2 miles, turn left at the first driveway. Park at the end by the red shed or along the driveway. Do not block the neighbors (blue house) who share the driveway.
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Jul 27, 2026
Thomas Tract Field Trip
Sunday, August 9 – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Thomas Tract in Barneveld, WI
The Thomas Tract site is under restoration: mostly grass pasture or corn fields. There are approximately 30 acres of CRP in various stages of quality. There should be some pretty, late summer blooms, sunflowers and such. Topics will be land management challenges: Burnett’s saxifrage in the pasture and the agricultural interface.
DIFFICULTY: There will be a lot of hiking on moderate terrain. We can look at the historic dolostone barn from the outside as well.
WHAT TO BRING:
We recommend long pants, sturdy shoes, a hat, water and sunscreen.
TRIP LEADER:
Contact Any Sleger, (608) 445-0038 (asleger@theprairieenthusiasts.org) with any questions or to RSVP.
LOCATION:
Address is 3975 County Highway T, Barneveld. From the intersection of US Hwy 18-151 and County T (approximately 1 mile west of the US Hwy 18-151 intersection with County ID in Barneveld), take County T south for 0.4 miles to the parking lot on the left side of the road.
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Jul 27, 2026
Schurch-Thomson Prairie Field Trip
Saturday, August 8 – 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Schurch-Thomson Prairie in Barneveld, WI
Come for a hike into a portion of The Prairie Enthusiasts’ 830-acre Mounds View Grassland preserve. We will see the progress being made in bringing back to life degraded remnant prairies, converting non-native, cool-season grass to native prairie. We will encounter rich displays of mid-summer prairie flowers such as compass plant, western sunflower, Culver’s-root, rattlesnake master, and prairie blazingstar. Along the way, we will also have opportunities to observe and hear uncommon grassland birds, as well as butterflies and bumblebees.
DIFFICULTY: Be prepared for a long hike, some off trail and steep slopes. Prepare for moderate hiking over uneven terrain.
WHAT TO BRING:
We recommend long pants, sturdy shoes, a hat, water and sunscreen. Bring binoculars if you have them.
TRIP LEADER:
Contact Rich Henderson (tpe.rhenderson@tds.net) or (608) 845-7065.
LOCATION:
Address is 8624 Reilly Road, 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 and 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 | Jul 27, 2026
Empire-Sauk Chapter Annual Picnic
Monday, August 3 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Lewis Byrns Park and Giordano Oak Barrens and Sand Prairie in Lodi, WI
Mark August 3 on your calendar and plan to join us for the Empire-Sauk Chapter Annual Picnic. The fun will start at 5:00 p.m. at the Lewis Byrns Park north of Lodi. Potluck will begin at 5:30 followed by a short business meeting. We need to elect our vice chair and treasurer, and nominations are accepted. After the meeting, site steward Rob Schubert will lead a field trip at Giordano Oak Barrens and Sand Prairie.
WHAT TO BRING:
Please bring a dish to share and utensils/cups.
CONTACT:
For questions, to RSVP, and if you have any nominations, contact Willis Brown (willisbrown55@gmail.com).
DIRECTIONS:
Directions to Lewis Byrns Park: The address is W10988 Rodney Dr, Lodi. Take State Highway 60 north from Lodi and turn left in 0.6 miles on Lindsay Road, which joins County J going north. Travel for 2.4 miles and continue straight on County V when County J turns off (County V joins County J from the west). Travel 2.2 miles to Rodney Dr. and turn left. The park will be on the right.
by Evanne Hunt | Jul 23, 2026
Join us for a potluck field trip!
Date: Tuesday, August 11
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30pm
Location: 13055 4th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082-1927
Map to location
In 2025, Peter Fritz turned portions of his yard into a prairie planting. Join us for a tour of the plots and a discussion of the why’s and how’s.
Join us afterwards for BBQ ribs and some veggie burgers. Bring a salad, chips, or dessert to share and BYOB.
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Primary Contact
