04/15/2026
CPPF's Monthly Update - April 2026
https://mailchi.mp/9d668ddf7f02/2026-april
Greetings, Friends of the Prairie,
It is that wonderful time of the year when every day brings new natural wonders; the sights and sounds and smells and feels of Spring! Sandhill Cranes flying overhead. The cacophony of amorous *Boreal Chorus Frogs and American Toads. The smell of damp earth after recent fire. And the incredibly soft feel of a P***y Willow bloom "which any queen bumble bee that might be out would enjoy". She, of course, would be looking for food to store for her coming brood. Our senses barely touch the incredibly complex awakening of nature on the Prairie. That we are able to help it continue to exist is an incredible honor.
*Click the link below to hear Boreal Chorus Frogs and American Toads, recorded by Nathan Robertson on the evening of April 13:
https://www.chiwaukee.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026_0413_Boreal_Chorus_Frogs_and_Toads_115th_St.m4a
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Now on the Prairie
The Cursed Crowfoot (Buttercup) is an early bloomer in muddy habitats where competition is limited by intermittent inundation.
The Marsh Marigold is a characteristic plant of springy calcareous fens.
The Chicago area subspecies of the Garter Snake basks in the sun.
(See images in this post.)
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Native Prairie Plant Walks
Master Naturalist Dru Snavely will lead Chiwaukee Prairie Walks once a month through October. Information includes a little history, a little geology and lots of plant names and facts. Over the months you will look at and identify more than 100 different flowering plants, grasses, and some sedges. There will likely be a plant list available each time as well as occasional other handouts.
Mark your calendars for all the dates Walks are on the first Saturdays from 10AM to Noon
May 2, June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5, October 3
Meet at the intersection of 121st Street and 2nd Avenue. Park on 2nd Avenue.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jD2WpzBK79dPqiLH6
Wear good walking shoes or boots and long pants. Sunscreen, insect repellent for possible ticks, and a hat are wise. We go in light rain but not if there is lightning.
Dru Snavely, Master Naturalist
262.344.3130
[email protected]
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Workday discovery
Last workday, two teenage volunteers observed a garter snake with live birth young ones. Unusual timing as most mate in Spring and give birth in Fall. This was the result of a Fall mating. The girls who observed the snakelet were thrilled to see it.
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Workday
Last month the workday had two different locations and two different activities. In the far southwest corner near the state line, volunteers basal barked Aspen shoots after walking nearly a mile to get there. Along Lakeshore Drive south of 100th Street, a group of teenagers did a great job of hauling and stacking previously cut small trees and brush for later chipping. We are very grateful to all the volunteers for the very helpful multitasking workday. (See images in this post.)
Join us this Saturday, April 18, for our early Earth Day Workday including your last chance before Fall to cut and haul brush. We will be removing the cut trees and brush from the south side of 100th Street, west of Lakeshore Drive. The prediction is for variable clouds with showers and scattered thunderstorms. Storms more numerous in the morning. Chance of rain 50%. Winds West at 16-27 mph and a high of 46 degrees. Wear old clothes, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy shoes or boots. It is tick season, so consider bug spray. We supply tools, instruction, water and answers to all your questions about the Prairie.
Please park along 3rd Avenue, north of 100th Street, to ensure we have enough room for dragging brush off of 100th St. Click here for parking directions:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/V7nVWUk8UJhUtoep8
The Saturday workday is from 9 AM to 12 PM.
PLEASE: Arrive 10 minutes early to sign-in.
If you have questions, please email [email protected] or call/text Nathan at 262.694.7351.
If you would like to be notified about extra workday opportunities, plant scouting opportunities or plant identification walks, please email [email protected] to be added to our email list.
Workday cancellations will be posted on our website and Facebook by 8 AM on the workday. If you are unsure whether a workday will take place, please use good judgement when deciding whether or not to attend. If you have questions, please email [email protected] or call 262.694.7351.
Thank you for your support,
Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund, Inc.
https://www.chiwaukee.org/event/2026-04-18