This La Crosse-based group isn't just composed of friends - they are working heroes for the La Crosse blufflands. Their mission is "to promote sound conservation practices in the Coulee Region blufflands and to be a voice for a wide variety of blufflands users who value the area blufflands for the increased quality of life they provide."
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| Restoration signs on the prairie |
In addition, they educate the public through advocacy, guided hikes and their blog, advise on trail construction, and advocate to keep the blufflands natural. They collaborate closely with the Coulee Region chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts and other local outdoor and nature organizations.
They have an outstanding blog that is another classroom all by itself. Here you can learn about how their restoration work is done, read fascinating articles about prairie forbs and wildlife and learn about the history of these bluffs.
Although the group doesn't host a ton of interpretive hikes, I highly recommend going on one when you see them as sponsor. Your knowledge of prairies and their restoration will blossom. Their "Nature School" is top-flight!
Here are two of the classrooms I was in with these uber-knowledgeable guides.
String of Pearls Hike in Upper Hixon Forest
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| On Lookout Prairie Image -Larry Sleznikow |
While this wasn't the name of the hike, I will always remember it by this name. Led by Friends of the Blufflands members extraordinaire John Rigden, Mike O'Brien and Pat Wilson, we learned about the many small remnant prairies that stretch beneath the bluff rims like a string of pearls. The Friends of the Blufflands work to restore these remnants and keep them healthy. We learned about restoration plans and methods for three prairies. Flowers and grasses were identified along the way. We had plenty of time on the steep slopes of the restored remnants and on the rim taking in the spectacular views. We also learned about the history of these prairies and the partnerships that make the restoration possible. Each leader was knowledgeable and it was a true learning experience.
National Prairie/Trails Day Hike in Hixon Forest
This summer, on the first Saturday in June, the Friends of the Blufflands coordinated a hike to share their ongoing work on restoring an oak savannah on the lower slopes below Lookout Prairie. Again, the work of the Friends, to transform an area filled with undesirable woody growth, was amazing. Participants were treated to tales of the work, the flowering plants and the importance of prescribed burns and continuing restoration work.
The Friends of the Blufflands welcome volunteers to assist with their work days around the year. You can also donate or become a member for life for $50.
Going to “Nature School with this dedicated group of individuals is amazing.
And be sure to check out and join their Facebook page - and consider joining them as a volunteer. Here is their most recent post:
As can be seen in the map of Lower Hixon circled in red, Birch Point Prairie is next to Zoerb Prairie, followed by Lookout Prairie then Vista Prairie. These three prairies have undergone restoration and it is felt that adding Birch Point Prairie to this lineup enhances the overall habitat value. This arrangement is often referred to as an “archipelago” and the habitat value is felt to be multiplied instead of just added together when connected in this fashion. It will be exciting to see more and more insects, such as butterflies and native bees, birds, and other critters using these prairies connected in this fashion. To add to this line up of restored prairies, FBL might consider restoration of Log Prairie circled in pink on the map sometime in the future. The restoration of Birch Point Prairie is still incomplete with a significant amount of volunteer work that will be needed for the unavoidable resprouts and seedlings that will reoccur. And, eventually, the prairie will be burned for the first time in many years.
Subsequent photos show the prairie in various stages of restoration. First, before any of the current restoration efforts, second after the central prairie was cleared, and last a nice sunset view from the prairie with Zoerb and Lookout Prairies in the background.
FBL will start having collaborative volunteer work days with the Coulee Region Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts on most Wednesdays and Saturdays in September. Please consider joining us! If you would like to be on our volunteer list, please contact Jon Rigden at jonathanrigden@me.com."
Nature School is what I like to call the guided hikes I go on when I’ve a mind to learn more about the natural world and to fulfill my required training hours to maintain my annual Master Naturalist volunteer certification. The Nature School series highlights parks, organizations and groups that provide free or low-cost guided learning experiences while hiking. The Driftless area of MN, WI and IA is rich in dedicated biologists, naturalists and citizen scientists who share their knowledge, passion and expertise. By doing so, they help hikers of all ages better understand our natural world. It’s always a delight to attend their “schools.”
Check out additional Nature School posts:
Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters
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