by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Jun 29, 2026
Exploratory Summer Prairie Walk at Hanley Savanna
Saturday, August 8 – 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Location: Hanley Savanna in Hanover, IL
Please join the Northern Illinois chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts for an exploratory walk through a summer prairie!
Hanley Savanna is a 160-acre prairie, savanna, and woodland restoration in rural Hanover, Illinois. Owned by The Prairie Enthusiasts and stewarded by the Northwest Illinois Chapter since 2003, this site has transformed from row cropland and white pine plantation to several types of prairie ecosystems, including tall grass prairies, oak savannas, fens, sand blowouts, and black oak barrens.
We hope to see bumblebees (maybe the endangered rusty-patched bumblebee) and lots of other pollinators and butterflies. Our guest leader will be biologist Beverly Paulan, an expert on native pollinators and their relationship to native plants. Bev is currently doing aerial surveys of local whooping crane populations in Wisconsin for the International Crane Foundation, and bat surveys for the Wisconsin DNR.
DIFFICULTY:
The trails are mown grass and relatively level.
WHAT TO BRING:
Please bring water, insect repellent, and dress appropriately for the weather. There is an available portable relief station.
CONTACT:
Please RSVP to Laura Dufford at lauradufford@gmail.com and include your phone number in case of cancellation.
LOCATION:
Hanley Savanna is located at 9417 Whitton Road in Hanover, IL. We will meet at the shed. MAP HERE
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Jun 16, 2026
Lichens On The Prairie! Lichen Field Trip
Sunday, June 21 – 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Location: Eastern Filmore County near the Choice WMA, MN
Learn about the different species of lichens that exist on bluff prairies in the Driftless Region with local lichen expert Connor Johanson. The field trip will take place at Justin Nooker’s bluff prairie near Choice, MN, which has steep and rugged topography. There will be additional opportunities to interact with landowners and discuss how management decisions impact various natural communities. More information to follow with your RSVP!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
-Learning about the lichens of the Driftless region
-Hiking steep terrain
-Interacting with landowners
-Sharing how management decisions impact various communities
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring plenty of water and individual snacks (optional). Wear shoes for hiking.
RSVP AND CONTACT:
This event will be limited. Please RSVP to Justin Nooker at nookerjustin@gmail.com. Once confirmed, you will receive a verification email along with the address.
by Evanne Hunt | Jun 15, 2026
Buffalo Skull Conservation Easement
Alex Bouthilet will take us on a tour of this property managed by Standing Cedars and WDNR.
Date: June 18 (Thursday)
Time: 5pm – 7:00pm
Address: 2849 55th Ave. Osceola, WI 54020
Map to location
The dry prairie, approx 22 acres, had been farmed in the distant past, but due to sandy/rocky soils and nearby seed sources, has reverted back into native species with a surprisingly diverse species list that includes besseya bullii- aka Kittentails.
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Jun 12, 2026
Tour of Cullen Nature Preserve Oak Savanna Restoration with Staff Ecologist Dan Carter
Saturday, July 18 – 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Cullen Nature Preserve in Minnetonka, MN
Join The Prairie Enthusiasts Ecologist Dan Carter for a guided walk through a 10-acre restoration project in Minnetonka. During this tour, participants will explore the site’s history and compare the sections undergoing active management with those that remain unrestored. Dan will share his professional analysis regarding the property’s potential and the specific stewardship actions required to maintain its ecological progress. As the Cullen Nature Preserve currently remains closed to the general public, this event offers a unique chance to experience the site during its restoration phase.
Registration is limited to 25 attendees. To learn more and to register for this free event, CLICK HERE.
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Jun 12, 2026
Nature Journaling at Holland Sand Prairie
Saturday, June 27 – 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Location: Holland Sand Prairie in Holmen, WI
Come join us to deepen your relationship to the natural world through art and writing! Nature journaling is a grounding practice in paying attention to the close details of the plants, animals, and landscape you observe around you. Max Sorenson and Reid Bartholomew will introduce you to this great way to closely engage with the incredible diversity of life found at Holland Sand Prairie, providing assistance with plant identification and prompts to spur your creativity. Physical activity will entail short walks throughout the site, with some mildly uneven terrain.
This event is free to attend. RSVPs to Max Sorenson at msorenson.9@gmail.com are appreciated for planning purposes.
WHAT TO BRING:
Dress for the weather with appropriate outdoor footwear and long pants. Stay comfortable with a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, and a blanket to sit on if you’re inclined. Be sure to bring water! We recommend bringing writing utensils and a notebook of your choice, but extras will be available if needed. Please note, there are no restrooms at this site.
EVENT LEADERS:
Max Sorenson is an ecological restorationist, artist, and a proud member of the Coulee Region Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts. His creative work focuses on providing opportunities for deeper connection with the living world. Max is currently an Environmental Educator at The Nature Place and a volunteer Board Member with Friends of the Blufflands. If you have any questions or would like to RSVP for this event, please reach out to Max at msorenson.9@gmail.com.
Reid Bartholomew brings his lifelong passion for writing to his job as Mission Advancement Coordinator with The Prairie Enthusiasts to share the importance of the precious and threatened ecosystems that make the Upper Midwest unique.
LOCATION:
Directions from La Crosse: Follow Hwy 53 north to CTY Rd MH exit. Turn left on to McHugh road and follow to the trailhead which is just past Beaver Builder Supply. Holland Sand Prairie trailhead pull off is on the left at W7781 Cty Rd MH, Holmen, WI. MAP HERE
