Walk with a Naturalist: Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie State Natural Area

Join Naturalist Pat Trochell for a walk at Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie State Natural Area. Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie State Natural Area is a small intact dry-mesic prairie that is home to more than 80 native prairie plant species. This site is also home to many birds and insects, including eastern kingbird, indigo bunting, and eastern bluebird. This site is owned and managed by The Prairie Enthusiasts and was designated a State Natural Area in 1986.

Pat Trochlell is an ecologist working in wetland, prairie and oak ecosystems. She retired from WDNR after 30+ years working on wetland regulation, restoration, monitoring and training issues. She currently does plant community inventories and assessments, teaches natural resource courses and is on the local chapter board of The Prairie Enthusiasts. She is a state licensed hydrologist and soil scientist.