The Prairie Enthusiasts

06/02/2026

This Saturday, join the The Prairie Enthusiasts - Empire-Sauk Chapter 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.

Learn more and register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/sj2s8w3/lp/d578dd60-a26a-4850-b39f-0cd406339a65

Photo by Tim Hansel

06/01/2026

It's June, and there's no better time to flex your prairie enthusiasm on the land. Before you head out, there are some essential items we recommend bringing along:
-Binoculars for birdwatching and insect spotting
-Bug spray (for those spotted insects that bite)
-Hiking boots for prairie terrain
-Parsnip Predators for volunteering on a work party
-Water to replenish

What other essential items do you make sure you have before heading out on the prairie that aren't on this list? Leave your recommendations!

You can find Parsnip Predators on our website here: https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/product-category/tpe-gear/

Check out an event near you on our Events Calendar here: https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/tpe-events/events-calendar/

05/29/2026

Prairie smoke is seeding up! Hope you get to see some out on the prairie this weekend!

Photo by Jane Graham

05/28/2026

Karner blue butterflies begin to emerge this time of year according to The Aldo Leopold Foundation's 2026 Phenology Calendar. Have you been lucky enough to spot one?

Photo by Kerstyn Perrett

05/26/2026

Only a few more weeks left of spring! Make the most of it and get out on the prairie by visiting one of our sites or attending a field trip or work party. You won't regret it (and neither will your camera roll)!

Find our sites here: https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/visit-our-sites/

Find events here: https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/tpe-events/events-calendar/

Photo by Stephen Glass

05/21/2026

Dancing false rue anemone.

Video by Sarah Barron

05/20/2026

We are happy to share that Ron and Darla Giordano recently won the Land Legacy Award! 🎉

The Prairie Enthusiasts have been hard at work restoring Giordano Oak Barrens and San Prairie over the last few years. You can read about the progress on this site in the next issue of The Prairie Promoter - stay tuned!

Congrats, Ron and Darla!

Gathering Waters is excited to announce the winners of the 2026 Land Conservation Leadership Awards!

Our congratulations and thanks go out to:

- Abbie Church (Mississippi Valley Conservancy) – Land Trust Professional of the Year

- Mark Lesko (Seno K/RLT Conservancy) – Land Trust Volunteer of the Year

- Andrew Struck (Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department) – Harold “Bud” Jordahl Lifetime Achievement Award

- Ron and Darla Giordano (The Prairie Enthusiasts /Groundswell Conservancy) – Land Legacy Award

- Cody Kamrowski (Wisconsin Wildlife Federation) – Advocacy Champion

We extend our thanks and gratitude to this year's award winners for their efforts to further land conservation resulting in lasting changes around the state. We’re excited to celebrate their accomplishments!

Read about each of the award winners here: https://gatheringwaters.org/announcing-the-2026-land-conservation-leadership-award-winners/

05/18/2026

Two native yellow-flowering plants of prairies, savannas, and oak woods that are sometimes confused with parsnip (or poison parsnip, Pastinaca sativa) are golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) and yellow pimpernel (Taenidia integerrima).

Photo one: Golden Alexanders has lower leaves that are divided into leaflets arranged along two or three orders of branching (they are 2 to 3 times compound), and its leaflets have serrated edges.

Photo two: Yellow pimpernel also has lower leaves that are divided into leaflets and 2 to 3 times compound), but the edges of the leaflets are not serrated. They are smooth (or entire).

Photo three: Parsnip has leaves throughout that are divided into leaflets, but they are all arranged along a single axis without any secondary or tertiary branching like golden Alexanders and yellow pimpernel, or for that matter other native yellow plants in the carrot family like prairie parsley (Polytaenia nuttallii) and meadow parsnip (Thaspium trifoliatum).

Photos and descriptions by Dan Carter

05/14/2026

Don't miss out on the Tiffany Bottoms Train Ride in Durand, WI this Saturday! There are still spots left to register!

Join us for our annual Tiffany Bottoms Train Ride fundraiser, hosted by The Chippewa Savannas Prairie Enthusiasts in collaboration with the Chippewa Valley Motor Car Association.

This open-air mini train ride will explore remote areas of the 13,000-acre Tiffany Wildlife Area with several stops and chances to explore open prairies, wetlands and bottomland forest. Learn about insects and plants from experts Arthur Kneeland and Mark Leach who will be along for the ride!

To register today, click here:

Join us for an open-air mini train ride through remote areas of the 13,000-acre Tiffany Wildlife Area! This event is a Fundraiser for The Prairie Enthusiasts Chippewa Savannas Chapter. Proceeds will support our Chapter’s local prairie and savanna restoration efforts and educational events.

05/14/2026

Tomorrow night, celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with an Immersive Rainforest Exhibit Reception in Hudson, WI hosted by Tropical Wings! Meet a LIVE raptor from Carpenter Nature Center, decorate your own sugar cookies, take part in craft activities and a bird identification game. Fun and free for the whole family!

Learn more here: