Current and Past LIP Projects
Milwaukee County

2009: Adams Milwaukee County Prairie Enhancement

Project Goal and Site Description:
This project will enhance twenty acres of an extremely high quality remnant prairie, southern sedge meadow, and savanna complex on private land within Milwaukee County through the involvement of volunteers from the Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy and contractor. The site will enhance habitat for multiple prairie plant species and provide an example of high quality prairie in Milwaukee County. Natural systems have been displaced from 97 % of Milwaukee County; this site is one of the 3% that still is of high quality in the county.

The twenty acres proposed in this project area are currently left in a natural state. Natural succession is occurring. Grey dogwood, hawthorn, prickly ash, smooth sumac, and some glossy and common buckthorn are starting to shade out the remnant prairie. Another twenty acres to the north is remnant prairie under the same condition. Fifteen acres is old field, or Christmas tree plantings that contain prairie flora as well. The other five acres of this property are covered by buildings or storage area for machinery.

Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy: Carity Prairie Restoration

Project and Site Description: Natural systems have been displaced from 97 % of Milwaukee County. This site is a remnant prairie, sedge meadow, and oak savanna complex. The site is about 10.3 acres of oak Savanna, 6 acres of mesic prairie, and 7 acres of southern sedge meadow. It is owned and managed by the Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy. The site is becoming dominated by gray dogwood, as fire and grazing have been absent. It has great savanna structure with many oaks of various age classes. The preserve is the headwaters of Legend creek, which flows to the Root River (WI Land Legacy Area).

The Carity Preserve is one of the 3% of remaining natural systems that still is of high quality in Milwaukee County. The site has the composition of a high quality prairie and through management with process the floral composition and habitat structure should respond. Its proximity to other high quality remnant prairies is also a reason why this project can be successful.

Currently the site is open to the public for hiking, educational programs, and research. The preserve has also been used by local photographers to bring attention to natural areas in Milwaukee. An exhibit of photos was displayed at the Hales Corner Village Hall this past fall.