September Prairie
Greetings Friends of the Prairie,
News
The picture above sports Asters, Goldenrods, Milkweeds, Joe Pye weed and more. These are a small fraction of the native plants displaying their wares across the fall Prairie. As you drive down 116th Street you will see the six-foot-tall sun flowers forming a border on the south side where last spring you saw a carpet of shooting stars. It is the magic of the ever-changing palate of plants. This is also the time the Prairie grasses are most spectacular, at their tallest and blooming, as the Indian grass pictured below. Come enjoy one of the Prairie Walks listed below and see in person the blue splendor of the Gentians, also pictured below.
Again this year, Rob Sulski and his volunteers will be monitoring hawk migration at Chiwaukee from their enclosure south of 122nd Street. The Street will have restricted access when they are monitoring. In the past, they have recorded large numbers of hawks and falcons and banded many of the birds. We hope they see even more this year. In resident bird news, the Sandhill Cranes have again summered at the Prairie and continue to send their unmistakable calls across the landscape.
Big Blue Stem grass, Sunflowers, and Liatris
Events
Kay McClelland, naturalist and rare plants monitor, is offering several opportunities to enjoy fall on the Prairie. All events will start at 121st Street and 2nd Avenue. Call Kay at 262-994-1939 to confirm or for more information.
Prairie Plant Walks with Kay
September:
Saturday 16, 1:30 – 4:00 PM
Sunday 17, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Monday 18, 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 27, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
October:
Wednesday 11, 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Workdays
This Saturday, September 16, we will be scouting for and removing the last of the Queen Anne’s Lace and other late blooming invaders. Join us for this very special time on the Prairie when the ticks are gone and the grasses are tall. The prediction is for a sunny summer like high of 80 degrees. We supply work gloves, water and answers to all your questions about the Prairie. The workday is from 10AM to 1PM. Come for part or all of it.
We will meet on 2nd Avenue at 121st Street.
(Map at www.chiwaukee.org/about/where/)
Workday cancellations will be posted on our website and Facebook by 8 AM on scheduled workdays. If you are unsure whether a workday will take place, please use good judgment when deciding whether to attend.
If you have questions, email or call 262-658-8336.
Thank you for your support,
Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund, Inc.