Holland Sand Prairie Amble (WI)

Newly blossomed daffodils burdened with snow.
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

Ambles are what we in the Driftless Drifters* call hikes that are up to 2.5 miles long on flatter trails. They are perfect for people who like a slower pace, are recovering from illness or injury or just like to spend time enjoying nature. 

We just got a surprise snowy, blowy 11 inches of snow yesterday. While it was fun to see the snow, it meant a cancelled hike today.

I belong to the Driftless Drifters Hiking Club in La Crescent MN. The group is sponsored by our school district's Community Education Dept (smart people!)*. 

One of the types of hikes we offer is called a Monday "Amble." This weekly hike is 60-75 minutes long, usually under 2.5 miles on flatter trails and at a slower pace for people who are rehabbing or just prefer a slower, more reflective experience.

This Monday's hike was set for Holland Sand Prairie SNA (State Natural Area), a property of the Mississippi Valley Conservancy near Holmen WI. This lovely prairie tract is small but is an ideal location to spot Pasque flowers. These are flowers that love high, sunny slopes and ridge tops so aren't always accessible for hikers who "Amble." It's mostly the bluff hikers who are treated to this lovely early flower.

A profusion of Pasque flowers
Image - Kris Lawson

Two friends scouted the trail on Friday and were treated to a literal blanket of Pasque flowers. Perfect! Our Amblers would get a primo seat at the Pasque flower feast!

But the weather had other ideas. Like the snow-covered daffodils in my yard above, those beautiful Pasque flowers are buried in snow. As ephemerals, they may not last much beyond the week.

It reminds me of how spring brings so much change but we have to be quick to catch all the wonders that we come across. From birds returning to nest, insects re-emerging, buds breaking open to leaves,  frogs and snakes coming out of their over-wintering spots and flowers and plants erupting in a constant stream, we need to keep our eyes open to the wonder.

I hope you are out on the trails discovering the wonders that spring holds.

THE HIKE

Holland Sand Prairie SNA Hike

Fairly flat with some rolling hills on 1.8 miles of grass/dirt trails for views of a beautiful sand prairie on this Mississippi Valley Conservancy property. Many wildflowers year round. This is a easy short hike for any age.

Location: W7781 County Road MH, Holmen WI

Follow Hwy 53 north to County Rd MH. Turn left onto McHugh Rd and follow it to the trailhead, which is just past (west of) Beaver Builders’ Supply. Trailhead and parking area are on the left (south) side of MH. 

* The Driftless Drifters is a member-led hiking club program sponsored through the La Crescent-Hokah Community Education Department of MN ISD 300. Begun in 2021, the group goes on weekly "under 5 mile" hikes around the Driftless area and weekly "Ambles - shorter hikes on flat surfaces for hikers looking for a slower pace. All hikes feature learning opportunities as they identify flora, fauna and fungi around the area. New members are welcome - the fee for the club is $14 /yr (July through June). Members have access to a weekly newsletter with hike locations and tips as well as additional pop-up hikes. Contact Community Ed at 507 895-5150 to join.