by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Jul 15, 2026
Regal Fritillary Field Training Day
Wednesday, July 15 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Crow-Hassan Park Reserve in Rogers, MN
This field training day is part of Regal Quest, a new community science program focused on the regal fritillary butterfly. Participants will learn how to identify regals, conduct a survey, and practice surveying in the field with expert biologists from DNR and Three Rivers Parks District. This event is for conservation professionals and those interested in learning to survey for regal fritillaries.
WHAT TO BRING:
This field day will be fully outdoors. Be prepared for rugged terrain, hot, sunny weather conditions, and insects. Sturdy, comfortable shoes, long pants, a hat, water bottle, sun protection, and insect repellent with deet are all recommended.
RSVP:
This event is free, but pre-registration is required and attendance is limited to 25 people. Learn more and register HERE.
LOCATION:
Three Rivers Crow-Hassan Park Reserve, Rogers, MN 55374
by The Prairie Enthusiasts | Jun 29, 2026
Growing and Cultivating a Prescribed Fire Culture in Southeast Minnesota
Wednesday, July 22 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Prairie Hiland in Brownsville, MN
Hosted by The Prairie Enthusiasts, this free field trip and workshop is in partnership with the Root River Prescribed Burn Association, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, and the Minnesota Prescribed Fire Council in association with the 2026 Northeast-Midwest Regional Fire Science and Management Workshop. The event will highlight the many groups and individuals who have helped grow and cultivate a prescribed fire culture in southeast Minnesota in the last decade and will provide a forum for prescribed fire practitioners across a 20-state region to interact, communicate, share, and learn.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER 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
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
