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Sep 20

End of Summer Gathering

Hosted by the Empire-Sauk Chapter
Join us for a special social and educational event for the whole family outdoors at some of the largest and most beautiful prairie and oak savanna preserves in southern Wisconsin. Whether you are young or old, completely new to prairies or an experienced Enthusiast wanting to know more about the decades of restoration work on these remarkable sites, there will be something in the program for you to enjoy and learn.

Mounds View Grasslands
8264 Reilly Road, Barneveld, WI 53507
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Friday, September 20, 2024 06:30pm - Sunday, September 22, 2024 12:00pm

$15.00

We will be holding the social gathering on Friday, September 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Brix Cider at 119 S 2nd Street, Mount Horeb, WI. On Saturday, September 21 we will offer an all-day program at the largest of our preserves – the Mounds View Grassland in Barneveld, WI – including educational sessions for all ages and levels of experience, a boxed lunch, and an evening social campfire, with a special opportunity to observe moths and other night insects. On Sunday, September 22 we will offer a morning hiking tour of two adjoining preserves in nearby Town of Vermont, WI.


What to expect:

  • See an incredible array of beautiful and rare wildflowers, insects, and birds in stunning, wide open natural settings


  • Learn about different aspects of prairies and their restoration, including basic natural history, introductory plant ID, geology and soils, seed collection and processing, and streams and wetlands


  • Observe firsthand and discuss with experienced land managers and fellow practitioners advanced restoration techniques and the results of decades of management


  • Meet friends both old and new who share a passion for these wonderful places


This event is open to and appropriate for both longtime Prairie Enthusiasts and those who are completely new to the field. It is family-friendly, and no prior knowledge is required.


Since this special event is largely outdoors, it may be cancelled in case of rain or stormy weather.


What to bring:

-Appropriate clothing for being in the field in late September

-Picnic if you plan to picnic Saturday, September 21

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


Parking Details:

Saturday, September 21

Parking is available at the barn in Mounds View. There will be signs and volunteers directing you.


Sunday, September 22

Park along the side on Moyer Road. There will be signs and volunteers directing you.

End of Summer Gathering Program

Friday, September 20

Location: Brix Cider, Mount Horeb, WI


6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Social gathering


Saturday, September 21

Location: Mounds View Grasslands, Barneveld, WI


8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Registration and Welcome


9:00 a.m. to Noon

Morning Program

  • Hiking tours and discussions of management practices
  • Introductory nature walks and scavenger hunts
  • Introduction to plant identification
  • Geology and soils workshop


Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Box Lunch


1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon Program

  • Hiking tours and discussions of management practices
  • Introductory seed collection and tour of barn operations
  • Water and prairies (at nearby Shea Prairie wetland/stream)


4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dinner (Bring your own picnic or dine in nearby Mt. Horeb)


7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Campfire gathering and Blacklighting for moths


Sunday, September 22

Location: Parrish Savanna/Pleasure Valley, Town of Vermont, WI


9:00 a.m. to Noon

Hiking tour of two nearby high-quality adjoining preserves

The Prairie Enthusiasts is a volunteer-driven conservation organization with 11 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. The End of Summer Gathering 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.