Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Barneveld Prairie (No. 405)

Overview

Location

Iowa and Dane Counties. T6-R5E, Sections 8, 16 17, 22, 24. T6-R6E, Section 19. 675 acres.

Access

For Thomas Pasture (section 17): From the intersection of Highway 18/151 and County T west of Barneveld, go south on T 0.4 mile to a parking area east of the road marked with Fire Number 3975. For the Botham tract (section 16): From the interesection of County ID and County K in Barneveld, go south on K 2 miles, then west on Langberry Road nearly 0.6 mile to the intersection of Lee Road. Park along the road. For available hunting opportunities, visit The Nature Conservancy's website: The Nature Conservancy

Description

Description

Barneveld Prairie features a remnant of the vast tallgrass prairies and savannas that once covered most of southern Wisconsin. It is located within the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, a region recognized as the global center for dry prairies and dry-mesic prairies. The natural area lies within the heart of the Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area (MRPHA) – an extensive grassland landscape supporting a high concentration of prairie remnants. MRPHA also includes patches of untilled prairie pasture and surrogate grasslands that combine with the natural area in providing habitat for many grassland-restricted species such as the regal fritillary butterfly (Speyeria idalia). It has been identified as the highest priority for landscape-scale grassland protection and management in Wisconsin and represents one of the best opportunities to protect grassland birds such as bobolink, dickcissel, and Henslow’s sparrow. Three parcels – Thomas Pasture, Thomson prairie, and the Botham tract, currently make up Barneveld Prairie. The Botham tract is the single largest contiguous property located within MRPHA and contains a diverse mix of prairie remnant, prairie pasture, oak savanna, wetlands, and wooded draws. This gradient of habitat types supports a diversity of plant and animal species including Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii), woolly milkweed (Asclepias lanuginosa), Hill’s thistle (Cirsium hillii), and rare prairie invertebrates. Barneveld Prairie is owned by The Nature Conservancy of Wisconsin and was designated a State Natural Area in 2003.

Maps

The WDNR's State Natural Areas Program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions, and private individuals. Therefore, while the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary accordingly. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities. Users are encouraged to contact the land owner for more specific details.

The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries.

• Detailed Map [PDF, 276 KB]

Activities

Please come prepared for your visit. Amenities vary from site to site with most SNAs being primitive and without facilities. See Guidelines for Visitation for details.

Allowable Activities

Most DNR-owned SNAs allow:

• Hiking
• Hunting
• Fishing
• Trapping
• Skiing

Some exceptions apply. Properties closed to the public or closed to specific use, such as hunting, will be posted.

***For non-DNR-owned SNAs: Additional use guidelines may apply. Please verify any use restrictions with the landowner or contact the SNA Program. Landowners may require additional permits or restrict the number of hunters at a given SNA to provide a quality hunting experience. SNA landowners can be found at the bottom of each SNA description page.

Prohibited Activities

• Horseback riding
• Rock climbing
• Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and snowmobiles except on trails and roadways designated for their use
• Collecting of plants (including fruits, nuts, or edible plant parts), animals, fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood, or any other natural material, alive or dead

Please note that a permit is required for scientific collection and research on State Natural Areas. For more information, contact Thomas Meyer, State Natural Areas Program Specialist.

For more information on rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Wisconsin's Administrative Code Chapter NR 45 (exit DNR)