Upper Hixon Forest (WI) Remnant Prairie Amble/Hike

Recently I participated in a hike guided by Friends of the Blufflands to see remnant prairies and the work that goes into maintaining them. 

It's easy to think, when we are at an amazing overlook or a healthy prairie is spread out before us or the view is unobstructed, that it just "comes that way." But far from it. In order to have prairies and overlooks, maintenance and care is required. On this hike we found out how. 

Hikers getting up close to the Zoerb prairie
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

Jon and Mike explaining the hike plan
Image-Marge Loch-Wouters

Pat Wilson, president of the Friends, introduced Jon Rigden and Mike O'Brien, who led the group of interested hikers on a 2 mile hike to see three prairies along the rim of upper Hixon Forest in La Crosse. Two of the prairies, Zoerb and Lookout, are actively being restored and maintained by members of the Friends and other volunteers and one (Birch) has not been restored. The contrast could not have been more stark.

Birch Vista is overgrown without care
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

The first prairie we came to was the Birch on the Birch trail spur off the Bicentennial Trail. This is a prairie remnant that hasn't been worked on in at least 5 years. The view is degraded and the prairie is difficult to see. It is obstructed by buckthorn, black locust, oriental bittersweet, sumac and other invasives. It is so overgrown that a bench that was there had to be moved back. It was an eye-opening example of what a prairie that is not being maintained looks like.

One of the restored prairies
Image - marge Loch-Wouters

We continued along Vista Trail to Zoerb and Lookout prairies which have been in the process of being restored and maintained by the Friends of the Blufflands for the last four years. Vive la difference!

Fire, consistent invasives control and much sweat equity have made the difference. These two prairies have been burned regularly which helps to suppress the woody invasives and clear the land so native prairie plant seeds can once more sprout up. This is an essential step in keeping all prairies healthy. Small refugia areas are left unburned within the burn site to preserve insect and small critter species so they can re-populate the burned areas as the plants grow back. 

Girdled trees in a buffer zone
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

Invasives are cut and treated - often many times to reduce and eradicate them. Select tree species are carefully evaluated and removed to maintain light and restoration goals. This work is done on the prairie but also in buffer zones leading up to the prairie. This helps protect the prairie with a ring of healthy forest and savanna. Trees that have a tendency to send out clones when sawed down are carefully girdled and left to slowly die. This prevents them from sending out the clones. The crew returns once they are dead and removes them.

It's so easy to take for granted the prairies and views we see as we hike. A group like Friends of the Blufflands definitely makes that magic happen through informed decision making, careful research, applied scientific knowledge, hours and hours and hours of hard work and dedication. I invite everyone to support groups like this through donations or volunteering.

And, of course, after going on this guided hike that was so beautiful and informative, we Drifters did an Amble* there as soon as we could. It is a fantastic hike that is great for kids and adults. And for those that want more mileage, continuing on the Vista trail brings you to additional prairies along this "string of pearls" prairie hike. Read on for the hike deets.

THE HIKE

A rolling, hilly 2.3 mile loop-hike takes you to three remnant prairies and stunning vistas on top Hixon Forest. There is an elevation gain of slightly over 250 feat so taking it slow gets you to big rewards. Take the Bicentennial trail left at the trailhead until you come to Birch Loop and the first overgrown vista. Finish the Birch loop and turn left onto the Vista trail with spurs to Zoerb and Lookout vistas, which are beautifully maintained prairie remnants. From the Lookout vista spur, retrace your steps back to Vista trail, turn right and head back where you hiked in until the trail branches left away from Birch and back up to the trailhead via Vista. For more miles, after the Lookout spur, turn left on Vista and wind your way to additional prairies on that hike and at Miller Bluff.

The Location: N2788 County Rd FA, La Crosse WI

From La Crosse Main St, head up Bliss Rd, veer left past the Alpine Inn to Cty Rd FA. Turn left on FA and then right at the parking lot for the NOAA weather station. Once parked, cross FA to the west and walk down a short hill to the trailhead and map. Note: at the corner of F and FA there is an old field full of planted oak trees as a reforestation project of Friends of the Blufflands

*Ambles are part of the Driftless Drifters hiking club. The hikes are up to 2.5 miles long on flatter trails, perfect for people who like a slower pace, are recovering from illness or injury or just like to spend a little extra time on shorter trails enjoying nature. 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.". 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. Contact Community Ed at 507 895-5150 to join.