Hiking and discussion followed by the ultimate reward—food! We’ll bring the grill, brats, fixings, and beverages. Bring salad, fruit or desert to share, if you so choose.
August 12th 6:00 p.m. Dave Ladd and the Iowa County Farm
We will be touring 430 acres of prairie, in various stages, from just a couple of years old to a decade along in growth and development courtesy of Iowa County Recreation and Prairie Restoration (ICRPR) group. The group leases the land from Iowa County which used to be rented to farmers, and has now been restored to traditional prairie which is open to the public for recreation. David Ladd, a local conservationist and founder of the group, will be on site to show us around this lovely prairie and discuss the history of the group and the site, as well as how the public can help to preserve this outstanding resource for the future.
Directions: The site is located near Bloomfield Manor. From the intersection of STH 23 and STH 18 in Dodgeville, take STH 18 west 4.5 miles, turn Left (south) onto CTH CH for 0.8 miles to the stop sign at Bloomfield Manor. Turn Right onto County Farm Road 0.4 miles to the entrance of the gravel drive on the left fire number 3031. Meet at the shelter near the lake at the end of the driveway.
July 15th 6:00 p.m. Paul and Estela Ohlrogge Town of Vermont
Split between a marsh and coldwater stream down below and a ridgetop prairie and woodland up above, Paul and Estela Ohlrogge’s 30 some acres has a little bit of everything to challenge the land manager. Prepare for a fairly hearty climb when we visit the uplands where Paul has spent most of his time planting and tending to trees and prairies and is now battling garlic mustard. Paul has worked with the DNR and other organizations on his management projects and as a County UW Extension Agent is a well-informed guy when it comes to programs and resources available to the rural property owner. Come join us for a warm summer’s evening in Elvers, the heart of scenic Town of Vermont.
June 10th 6:00 p.m. Cindy and Charles Ramseyer property, Blanchardville WI
Situated along the Pecatonica River, surrounding our inhabited core is eighteen acres of diverse habitat in the initial stages of sustainable forestry management. We have ¼ mile of river frontage and bottomland habitat, mesic protected north-facing slopes, upland oak savanna, and remnant prairie. A chipper/shredder and portable sawmill assists in our harvesting and clearing efforts. This land houses evidence of habitation by native peoples, early settlers, and through the present day, including a gravel carriage road constructed in the 1890’s, a deserted ½ mile stretch of old Route 1 from the 1930’s, and a planted pine stand, providing opportunities for restoration and reflection of man’s role in the environment.