Current and Past LIP Projects
Iowa County

2009: Oak savanna habitat expansion for benefit of oak savanna birds

Project Goal and Site Description:
The goal is to expand and restore the oak savanna eco system for the benefit of native plant species, whip-poor-will, red-headed woodpecker, brown thrasher, savanna sparrow, and clay colored sparrow.

The project site (20 acres) is a southwest facing slope consisting of a dolomite cap overlaying St. Peter sandstone. Much of the soil is sandy and dry with rock close to the surface. Many rock outcroppings, with the largest having a vertical drop of 50-60 feet. The land is currently managed as a prairie and oak savanna ecosystem. Enclosed in the project site are several prairie remnants. Also enclosed is a ten acre site where US Fish and Wildlife funded the thinning of trees, mainly black oak, from a more heavily wooded area thus expanding the savanna. Red cedar have been removed from most of the site. Since we purchased the property 16 years ago there has not been any farm animal grazing on the property, nor has there been any tillage for crops. Previous to our purchase, grazing was very limited. Contiguous to the project site is a five acre planted prairie (enrolled in CRP) that we planted ten years ago.

Habitat Expansion for Grassland/Savanna Birds on Bobolink Hill Farm

Project Goal and Site Description:

This project will expand and improve habitat for grassland and savanna birds, especially bobolinks, meadowlarks, sedge wrens, savanna and Henslow's sparrows. The landowner has worked on restoring this area for over 15 years. This project will focus on an area of old pasture which had become overgrown with many box-elders, cherry, and prickly ash. These were removed in fall 2006, but with opening the area to sun, invasive herbaceous species have increased. Restoring this site will significantly expand the adjacent grasslands. The landowner hopes that 3 years of intensive control of invasive species with interseeding with prairie seeds, both collected and purchase, will make a significant reduction in invasives. The project area is next to 10 acres of prairie / oak savanna containing Hill's thistle, purple milkweed, and cream gentian.

Contiguous with the prairie and project area are 45 tillable acres. A neighboring farmer farms these acres, rotating crops but with 80-90 percent in alfalfa which is not cut until the bobolinks have successfully nested. 30 years ago there were several pairs of nesting birds, now there are dozens of pairs of bobolinks. In addition to bobolinks there are meadowlarks, sedge wrens, savanna and Henslow's sparrows nesting in these fields.

Ridgeway Pines Savanna and Prairie Restoration

Project and Site Description:
The project goal is to increase the quality of the oak savanna habitat to improve habitat for red-headed woodpecker, and extend this area beyond current boundary.

The property is very diverse, and includes scenic bluffs, streams, a degraded wetland and pine relicts. It is currently used for recreational hiking, informal tours for Prairie Enthusiasts and other landowners, and conservation projects. This project will expand work on a hillside which retains many mature oaks and hickories, and after just two years of burning and seeding is considerably more open.

For many years (20) the landowners have lent the property to a group of hunter friends in season, in order to control deer population. With knowledgeable friends and other experts, they have catalogued and photographed many of the plant species, and recorded bird sightings over 20 years. They are monitoring 4 diverse prairie sites to record species changes over time, with and without fire. They also host 2 or 3 tours of the property yearly to outside groups for educational purposes.

Brush Removal and Fencing to Enhance a Grazed Remnant Prairie

Project and Site Description:
The project site is a privately-owned active pasture for Holstein heifers that has never been plowed, and has been grazed at low enough rates that remnant prairie plants, including some that are rare, have persisted. Rare birds such as the Bell's vireo are also known at this site, which is in the Driftless Area of northeastern Iowa County. The primary goal of the project was to increase the quality of native prairie habitat for rare plants and nesting grassland birds. This was accomplished by removing at least 75% of the existing native shrub and tree canopy coverage. Ten thickets were flagged and left uncut to provide habitat for Bell's vireo and other bird species that require dense brush within a grassland matrix. Follow-up activities that further enhanced the native prairie habitat included sowing seed into bare soil areas, mowing spotted knapweed, and mowing emerging brush during the 2007 growing season.

An additional goal was to maximize forage production for highest achievable efficiency and minimize effort needed in the rotational grazing system. This goal was met through the initiatives of the landowners and of our partner, Shawn Papon, with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Private Lands Program. Together, they installed 100ft of electric fence to enclose the Aspen and Vireo Units. Paddock and well installation were completed in fall 2007. The institution of rotational grazing will allow for periodic rest and recovery of native prairie plants, ideally to such an extent to allow for prescribed burning in the future.

The resurgence of native prairie plants in areas that were cleared of trees and brush was nothing short of remarkable. In May, prairie species that were observed in the project area included shooting star, blue-eyed grass and Robin's plantain. As the season progressed, side-oats grama grass, rough dropseed, and sky blue aster were the dominant species. Hill's thistles and prairie violets were also observed in surprising numbers in forestry mowed areas. Grassland birds, including the Bell's vireo, used the improved habitat in 2007. It will be fascinating to observe the ongoing resurgence of native prairie plants on the recently cleared areas. Already in other paddocks of this site that were cleared 5-10 years ago, a great diversity of prairie species have reappeared. Restoration of this prairie pasture will also expand a core area identified in the Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area, adding about 25 acres of grassland habitat.

The anticipated benefits of this project for rare animals that require grassland habitat are numerous. It is expected that the state-endangered regal fritillary butterfly, which is abundant on sites very close to this one, will appear in 2008 or 2009 due to the now-open canopy on extensive areas and favored native prairie plants (particularly Hill's thistle and prairie violets). Bell's vireos have a long history of making this site home, and will continue to find refuge here as their habitat in other regions dwindles. Other species that may make use of these thickets in the midst of a large grassland matrix include: brown thrasher, yellow-breasted chat, and willow flycatcher. Birds that favor more open grassland habitats may appear on-site that haven't been seen here in decades. The diversity of grass/forb heights in the rotational paddocks should provide habitat for a greater diversity of grassland birds than a uniformly grazed pasture would.

Perhaps the most significant impact of this project is the elucidation of proper rotational grazing practices that fosters maximum forage for grazing Holstein heifers simultaneously to survival of native prairie plants and maintenance of important wildlife habitat. The implications of such knowledge could be broad-sweeping in this region of the state, where farmers currently consider prairie restoration and wildlife habitat promotion as incompatible with the economic viability of a working pasture. Furthermore, this could provide a means for struggling dairy farmers with smaller-scale operations to secure outside funding for pasture improvement, forestalling the possible conversion of land to residential or business development, and maintaining the cultural heritage of this region. Rotational grazing is also known to secure soils better than traditional grazing practices, thus preserving water quality.

The significance of this prairie pasture is also belied by the numerous partners, including the landowners, that are working together to meet mutual goals. In addition to The Prairie Enthusiasts and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, other partners that are involved include The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Military Ridge Prairie Heritage Area, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The Prairie Enthusiasts acknowledge all of the partners in their ongoing efforts at this site, and sincerely thank the Landowner Incentive Program, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Private Lands Program, and Cal and Vic Williams for significant contributions to this project.

Mounds View Grasslands

Project and Site Description:
This project spans across four privately-owned properties that are all actively managed by a The Prairie Enthusiasts. The goal is to restore these remnants to contiguous prairie. LIP is funding reduction of tree and brush cover and control of invasive species including parsnip, sweet clover, reed canary grass, and spotted knapweed. This project will benefit an extensive list of at-risk species. This project includes an established track-record of volunteer labor dedicated to long-term management and monitoring, with specific benchmarks for measuring success. This project received funding in both 2006 and 2007.

Gordon Creek Oak Savanna

Project and Site Description:
The site area contains existing oak savanna remnants and appears to not have been plowed. It was grazed by cattle up through 1995 and is being invaded by reed canary grass, wild parsnip, raspberry canes and garlic mustard. There is a breeding pair of bald eagles on the adjacent property to the south, and an active population of breeding Blanding's turtles have been observed and reported for several years. Much of the property drains to Gordon Creek, a Class I trout stream.

The landowners have attempted to use mechanical control only to manage the invasion and have not been entirely successful. More intensive management is warranted in order to preserve the open nature of this property. This property is located in a landscape where privately owned land is being managed as native prairie/savanna. To the south, the landowner is actively restoring his property and enrolling it in a conservation easement. A CREP parcel is located to the east. To the South East is a parcel that is being managed by fire and mechanical control of invasives. It has been planted to native grasses and forbs. This complex is less than 5 miles from the 500-acre Mounds View Grassland which is managed by the Prairie Enthusiasts.

Savannah enhancement to benefit red-headed woodpecker

Project and Site Description:
The hillside sites have open grown old burr oaks and savanna species that have persisted through earlier years of grazing. The land slopes down to a valley. Adjacent to the proposed project areas are prairie remnants. The property is being managed to reduce invasives such as multi-flora rose and prickly ash which are threatening to shade out the desirable species. One property is lightly grazed and has a trout stream running through it. Large, old dead trees are left standing as habitat. Locally collected seed is being sown in appropriate areas.

This is a joint project where 2 neighbors have chosen to manage their land collectively as one unit. In addition, there are 5 land owners with land in CRP or CREP, much of it in prairie plantings, along the two mile stretch of Road, and others nearby as well. Iowa Co owns 99 acres of managed land that includes a wet-mesic prairie and the Dodge Branch of the Pecatonica River. Despite ongoing management efforts, the hilly topography makes the use of power equipment impractical; therefore additional manpower is needed to have a significant impact in these areas.

Restoration and Enhancement of Prairie Remnants & Oak Savanna

Project and Site Description:
The proposed project site of approximately 35 acres is a diverse ecosystem: Lime stone rock outcroppings, sandy soiled hills, dry prairie, wet prairie, marshy bottom ground, oak savanna, and wooded areas. Nine years ago the landowner discontinued pasturing the area with the intent of restoring some of the areas that had identifiable prairie remnants on it. At the time the whole area was heavily infested with Multiflora rose. Presently there are two areas that the landowner has been successful at reestablishing as prairie remnants. In surrounding areas prairie plants have been identified but there are also a great deal of invasive woody shrubs and trees in these areas, such as Multiflora rose, aspen, and prickly ash. The eastern third of the project area is a wooded area that has older oaks with the ear markings of an oak savanna.

The wooded area is infested with Multiflora rose, prickly ash, and some invasive trees. To salvage more prairie and reestablish the oak savanna, invasive plants and trees need to be removed and burns are needed over the entire area. While the landowners is able to maintain the prairie remnants that have been reestablished they do not have the resources to expand the prairie into the areas that show promise or tackle the clearing of the oak savanna.

Rock Ridge Community's Valley Savanna Restoration Project

Project and Site Description:
This south/southwest facing valley between limestone and sandstone ridges includes former prairie and savanna that was pastured and allowed to succeed to a woodland of red, black and white oak, shagbark hickory, and aspen with an understory of prickly ash, Rubus spp., multiflora rose, and honeysuckle. Scattered rock outcrops are found throughout; the soil is dry and sandy. Some savanna and prairie groundlayer species are present, including little bluestem, spiderwort, round-headed bush clover, and bird's foot violet. Nearby sites on the property have been targets of restoration work since 2004, including invasives removal, prescribed burns, and enhancement seeding.

High quality oak savanna in this part of Iowa County is rare - most is overgrown or used for pasture with loss of groundlayer diversity. This valley site can be restored to high quality oak savanna with LIP funding, which will make it possible to hire a contractor for the heavy work that is beyond the skills of the Residential Community members. In this site there is a need to thin the tree cover to a density more typical of savannas, remove invasive shrubs and trees, monitor the site for invasive species which are likely to get established, and enhance the diversity of the groundlayer by sowing seeds. In addition, it is essential to monitor the animal species meant to benefit over the course of the LIP project and in subsequent years.

Rock Ridge Community, Inc. was founded in the 1970s with the purpose of encouraging study and exploration of ways of living, working and learning that are in harmony with nature. The bylaws state that members shall be concerned to act at all times with respect for the ecological balance of the land. In the past 5 to 10 years, the community has begun taking care of the land more intentionally, as they've learned about the threat from invasive species, the rarity of oak savannas and other plant communities of the Driftless area, and ecological restoration principles.

Arena Bluff Prairie Expansion

Project and Site Description:
This is a dry-mesic prairie remnant located on top of a limestone bluff overlooking the Lower Wisconsin Riverway to the north and the Blue Mounds Creek Watershed to the south. This remnant contains tremendous floral diversity and is uniquely forb-dominated. It was the first restoration south of the Wisconsin River taken on by the Blufflands Project, the original goal being to establish prairies on the southern bluffs that mirrored those on the northern bluffs, in order to benefit genotype dispersal across the river by migrating birds, etc. Restoration activities by the landowners, with help from The Blufflands Project, are ongoing.

With removal of the encroaching woody plants, the underlying prairie species will flourish, allowing us to begin burning, selective mowing, and seeding for future maintenance. Without assistance, the potential for the prairie's expansion to its original size will be lost with the continued growth of the woody invasives.

Educational tours have been given through The Prairie Enthusiasts, The Blufflands Project, and The Large Restoration Landowners Group. This site was also included in a tour offered by the National Prairie Conference held in Madison.

Taliesin Remnant Prairie Restoration

Project and Site Description:
Prior to European settlement, most of the area around Spring Green area was part of Wisconsin's expansive prairie, once covering two million acres. Today less than 8,000 scattered acres remain; a result of land use changes and suppression of naturally occurring disturbances such as wildfires. Without periodic disturbances, shrubs and trees gradually take over these open areas, displacing native plants and animals that depend on open prairie habitat.

This project kicks off a large and sustained effort on the part of Taliesin Preservation, Inc to return Taliesin to its natural prairie context. The LIP and FWS programs are cooperatively funding removal of invading red and use of controlled fires to suppress competing trees and shrubs, and to stimulate the growth of native grasses and wildflowers. Several rare species in the area will benefit from resulting expansion of suitable habitat, including ornate box turtles, bullsnakes, Hill's thistle, Red-headed woodpeckers, and Net-veined Leafhoppers.