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
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Jun 8, 2026
Introduction to the World of Seeds Workshop
Saturday, October 10 – 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Location: Schurch-Thomson Prairie in Barneveld, WI
Throughout the summer and fall, dozens of volunteers take part in seed collecting, an enjoyable and deeply satisfying activity, at many of The Prairie Enthusiasts sites. The Introduction to the World of Seeds Workshop is intended for people new to the world of seeds to get a solid introduction suitable for becoming a seed volunteer with The Prairie Enthusiasts. Registration is $20 for adults and free for anyone under the age of 18 and capped at 25 attendees.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Jun 8, 2026
Night Flying Prairie Insects: Blacklighting and Sugaring for Moths
Tuesday, September 1 – 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Schurch-Thomson Prairie in Barneveld, WI
Join us for this workshop that will introduce you to the life cycle, behavior and ecology of prairie moth species. You will learn how to identify moths, particularly some prairie-specialist species which inhabit the Mounds View Grassland. We will demonstrate sugaring and blacklighting to collect and observe moths and other night-flying insects. Registration is $20 for adults and free for anyone under the age of 18 and capped at 25 attendees.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Jun 8, 2026
Introduction to Prairie Plants and Their Ecology Workshop
Saturday, July 25 – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Schurch-Thomson Prairie in Barneveld, WI
Join us for this workshop that will provide an overview of the ecology of the North American Tallgrass Prairie and Oak Savanna Communities and the plants that occur within them. Registration is $20 for adults and free for anyone under the age of 18 and capped at 20 attendees.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Jun 1, 2026
Grassland Bird Workshop
Saturday, June 6 – 8:00 a.m. to Noon
Location: Mounds View Grassland in Barneveld, WI
Join us for this workshop devoted to exploring the grassland birds of Wisconsin’s prairies. This event includes a guided walk of Schurch-Thomson prairie and a presentation led by David Sample, a retired WDNR Ecologist. Registration is $20 for adults and free for anyone under the age of 18 and capped at 25 attendees.
MORE DETAILS AND INFORMATION TO REGISTER HERE
