Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Scuppernong Prairie (No. 6)

Overview

Location

Within Southern Unit Kettle Moraine State Forest, Waukesha County. T5N-R17E, Sections 8, 16, 17. 185 acres.

Access

From the intersection of Highways 67 and 59 in Eagle, go north and west on Highway 59 1 mile, then north on N 1.4 miles to a parking area west of the road.

Description

Description

Scuppernong Prairie supports a diversity of wet-mesic prairie species on level, poorly-drained ground in the Scuppernong Basin. Located on the east side of the 3,000 acre Scuppernong Marsh, the flora includes species as big blue-stem, Indian grass, needle grass, blue-joint grass, prairie drop-seed, Virginia mountain mint, cream wild indigo, shooting-star, lead-plant, compass plant, prairie dock, blue-eyed grass, prairie smoke, and prairie blazing-star. Among the rare plants are purple milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens), prairie Indian plantain (Arnoglossum plantagineum), and marsh blazing star (Liatris spicata). On a low rise in the center of the area and along the east boundary are scattered open-grown bur oaks, typical of this region in presettlement times. The large and open nature of the site provides excellent habitat for uncommon birds such as boblink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), and upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda). Scuppernong Prairie also contains three rare Lepidoptera – Poweshiek skipperling (Oarisma powesheik), silphium borer moth (Papaipema silphii) and the liatris borer moth (P. beeriana). Other uncommon animals include Franklin’s ground squirrel (Spermophilus franklinii), badger, and eastern hognose snake. Scuppernong Prairie is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1952.

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.

• Guidebook Map [PDF, 40 KB]
• Detailed Map [PDF, 90 KB]

Objectives

Site Objectives

Manage the site as a reserve for wet-mesic prairie, southern sedge meadow and oak opening, as a wetland protection site, as a rare plant protection site, and as an ecological reference area. Natural processes and prescribed fire will determine the structure of the wetlands and uplands. Provide opportunities for research and education on the highest quality native prairies, sedge meadows and oak openings.

Management Approach

The ecological characteristics of the site will be primarily shaped by an intensive fire management program. The native wetland species are managed actively through tree/shrub control using tree harvest, brushing and especially fire to mimic natural disturbance patterns. Occasional fire-tolerant oaks, hickories, and native shrubs such as steeple bush may be retained at low densities. The native dominant savanna tree species (primarily oaks) are managed passively. However, some thinning of the canopy, understory manipulation and shrub control via harvest, brushing or fire may be needed to mimic natural disturbance patterns. Augmentation of the ground layer will only add species that historically would have been found on the site, using seeds or plugs from local genetic material; this usually occurs in the early stages of restoration. The mostly passive canopy management and understory manipulation will determine the ecological characteristics of the savanna. Other allowable activities include control of invasive plants and animals, maintenance of existing facilities, and access to suppress wildfires. Salvage of trees after a major wind event can occur if the volume of woody material inhibits fire prescriptions.

Site-Specific Considerations

• Roadside easement area may be managed sporadically by county.
• The 185 acre state natural area is divided into two units. The 25 acre Scuppernong Prairie Unit features a wet-mesic prairie (19 acres) and southern sedge meadow (6 acres). The 160 acre Melendy's Prairie Unit contains wet-mesic prairie (45 acres), southern sedge meadow (70 acres), and southern dry forest/oak opening (55 acres).
• Prairie white-fringed orchid

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)