October Prairie with seeds forming and colors fading into a palate of golds and tans and coppers.
Greetings Friends of the Prairie,
News
This time of year, the Prairie is more noisy than colorful with the sounds of migrating birds and the rustling of dry plants in the wind. It is also time to mow firebreaks and neighbors have already received notice of planned prescribed burns, our most effective management tool. One of the planned burns will extend south from 122nd Street across the state line into Spring Bluff Forest Preserve, a cooperative effort among Lake Plain Partners.
It is hunting season on DNR land and, although a Village ordinance prohibits the use of single projectile guns east of Sheridan Road, archery, crossbow and shotguns may be used. If you walk off road, it would be wise to wear bright colored clothing. For more information on hunting regulations, zones and seasons, visit http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/hunt/regulations.html
On September 30th in Mukwonago at the Annual DNR Picnic for State Natural Area Volunteers, the Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund was given the Steward of the Year Award in recognition of the hundreds of hours worked and miles traveled by CPPF volunteers to help manage the Prairie. This has been a continuous effort by volunteers for over 50 years and we are very grateful to everyone who has helped to maintain this jewel of nature.
CPPF volunteers and DNR staff after CPPF received State Natural Areas Volunteer Steward of the Year Award.
Photo by Mary Kay Baum
Events
Prairie Plant Walks with Kay have ended for this year but will resume next Spring along with photos and lists of “Kay’s Bloomers”.
2017 Native Landscaping Conference
Building Healthy Habitats Today for a Better Tomorrow
Saturday, November 11
Grayslake, Illinois
Conference details at
laketoprairie.wildones.org
Workdays
Last workday, Dave Sanders spotted an irrigation pipe used to water then 1920s nine-hole golf course south of 122nd Street.
Last month, volunteers gleaned Queen Anne’s Lace, finding far less than in September of past years. The QAL gathering efforts are a sure success.
This Saturday, October 21, we will be cutting and herbiciding invasive brush, as well as removing any late blooming invaders. Migration is ongoing and, if the wind has a west component, we will likely see hawks and others heading south. The prediction is for a mostly sunny, warm fall day with a high of 70 degrees. We supply work gloves, tools, instruction, 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.