It is Fall burn season and the DNR staff pictured above are beginning a prescribed burn with a test fire..
Greetings Friends of the Prairie,
News
Prescribed burns help us to maintain a healthy prairie. Fire removes dead plant material leaving behind the micronutrient filled ash. It blackens the earth for rapid warmup in the spring sun. It controls invasive species and brush. It stimulates fire adapted native plants, improves wildlife habitat, and greatly reduces the need for other management techniques. Regular fire is our best management tool. Last week it was used west of 1st Court south of 116th Street. Yet to come is the big burn from 122nd Street through Spring Bluff Forest Preserve down to 7th Street in Winthrop Harbor, a cooperative effort among the Lake Plain Partners.
Saturday, large flocks of Sandhill Cranes flew their irregular, noisy formations over the Prairie on their way south. On the ground, the Prairie is slipping into its winter quiet. Most migrants have taken their leave and inhabitants have prepared for winter, even grasshoppers.
And we give Thanks for the several wonderful Turkeys that have
chosen to make the Chiwaukee Prairie – Carol Beach area home.
Events
Those of you on our mailing list will be getting our annual newsletter in your mail box the first week of December. If you would like to receive a mailed copy, let us know at the email address below. The newsletter will also be on our website and attached to the December Monthly Update.
Workdays
Last workday, Sasha Johnson age 9, single-handedly lopped all the buckthorn piled up behind her. She lives very close to the Prairie and enjoys volunteering on workdays. We are delighted to have her join us!
UPDATE: Due to forecasted rain and wind conditions not amenable for the work day, we have decided to CANCEL the November work day. Hoping for better weather next month on Saturday, December 16!
This Saturday, November 18, we will continue cutting and herbiciding invasive brush including buckthorn and sumac. The prediction is for a mostly cloudy, breezy day with a high of 41 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.