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Jul 27

The Prairie Enthusiasts: Celebrate the Barrens at the Mukwonago River

Join Prairie Enthusiasts to explore and celebrate this regionally unique property containing oak barrens, moist savanna, low prairie, and sedge meadow. The event includes a tour (introductory or management with Site Steward and Ecologist Dan Carter) and a simple lunch onsite. Come enjoy the rare species on this site and see the progress made in 2024. This event is proudly part of Land Trust Days.

Mukwonago River Oak Barrens

Jul 27, 2025 10:00am - Jul 27, 2025 02:00pm

$25.00

Mukwonago River Oak Barrens. Photo by Jessica Bizub.

Mukwonago River Oak Barrens supports rare animals and at least 275 unique native plant species, including clasping-leaved milkweed, frostweed, and rough blazingstar. In 2024, over 650 volunteer hours were logged onsite, making significant progress in removal of conifers and buckthorn, girdling aspen, spreading seed, planting plugs, and conducting multiple prescribed burns.


Deadline to register is Sunday, July 13.


Location:

You can find a specific map for the Mukwonago River Oak Barrens HERE.


What to expect:

  • There will be two tours available: an introduction to prairies and savannas, and a management tour with the site steward and The Prairie Enthusiasts Ecologist, Dan Carter.


  • After the tours, we'll enjoy a simple lunch onsite (included in the registration fee). Vegetarian options will be available. If you have dietary restrictions, please plan to bring your own lunch as we cannot guarantee the lunch will meet your needs.


  • Plan to arrive by 9:45 a.m. to park so we have enough time for the tours. Tours begin at 10:00 a.m. sharp.


  • There will be 1-2 porta-potties onsite.


  • There is a 40-person capacity limit at the site, so register today to reserve your spot!


What to bring:

-Appropriate clothing for being outdoors and off-trail in tallgrass in July. We will not be going into the river. Rain gear if rain is forecast. In the event of a thunderstorm, we will have alternate plans.

-Water, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, hat, and anything else to be comfortable

-Binoculars

-A camping chair or thick blanket for comfortable sitting on site


Parking Details:

There is limited parking onsite, so please carpool if you can. There will be signs and volunteers directing you.

Prescribed fire at Mukwonago. Photo by Helen Holtz.

The Prairie Enthusiasts is a volunteer-driven conservation organization with 12 local chapters in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois, dedicated to the perpetuation and recovery of prairies, oak savannas, and associated ecosystems of the Upper Midwest through protection, restoration, and education. This Summer Gathering Event is an extension of our popular online winter conference with an outdoor, in-person event focused on education and connecting people interested in stewardship of these beautiful and precious natural communities.