Current and Past LIP Projects
Rock County

Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid

Project and Site Description:
The goal of this project is to increase the recovery and viability of one of the best Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid (FED END) populations in the state. LIP will be funding work including invasive tree and brush removal, selective herbicide treatment of read canary grass, and prescribed burning. This site is also receiving a section 6 grant to assist with permanent protection. The landowner is contributing 32% match in the form of time and personal equipment. The project includes a detailed follow-up management plan, specific monitoring and project evaluation criteria. The focus is on a target species, but serves as an "umbrella species" to benefit numerous other plant, bird, mammal, and snake species at the site.

This site is adjacent to the privately owned Fair Meadows State Natural Area, which features several natural communities including oak woodland/savanna, wet prairie, sedge meadow, shrub-carr, open marsh, and spring complex. Of note at both sites, is one of the state's largest populations of the federally threatened eastern prairie white- fringed orchid (Platanthera leucophaea), which has increased greatly after management. The oak woodland/savanna is dominated by white oak and shagbark hickory with black cherry and hackberry. Cerulean warblers (Dendroica cerulea) have been documented during the breeding season and the state-endangered purple milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens) is present. Management of the woodland includes invasive species control, woody species removal, prescribed burning, and interseeding with native understory species to restore a declining natural community type. Uplands are surrounded by a large wetland basin that includes a number of small peaty areas with local marl deposits around several springs. Also present is sedge meadow dominated by tussock sedge and blue-joint grass with spotted Joe-pye-weed, boneset and shiny-leaved aster. Other wetland communities include shrub-carr dominated by red-osier dogwood and willow, and deep water marsh composed of very dense stands of emergent aquatics such as giant bur-reeds, hardstem bulrush, and sedges. The wetlands are important habitat for the state-threatened Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) and 167 species of birds have been documented at the site. Wetland management includes invasive and woody species removal and prescribed burning. Mesic prairie is being restored in former agricultural fields and apple orchards.

Tallgrass Farm Restoration Project

Project and Site Description:
The farm has significant natural, ecological, habitat, scientific, geological, archeological, and open space values. The restoration goal is to recreate a continuous, seamless tallgrass prairie. It is a 230 acre site being restored using best practices of restoration management. The land consists of dry prairie, dry-mesic prairie, wet prairie, and oak savanna. It is located in the Lake Koshkonong watershed of the Rock River in Rock County, Wisconsin and supports 165 acres of restored tallgrass prairie that provide habitat for grassland and migratory birds. There are five ponds, and 40 acres of wetlands that enhance the habitat (and diversity) for many native birds and other wildlife species. It contains 14 acres of woodlands and oak savanna.

Ongoing restoration activities include controlled burns (adjusted to bird habitat and needs), brush clearing, invasive weed control, stewardship, and increasing diversity by seeding and planning of additional native plant species. Follow-up work is needed to assure that native species will establish themselves and not be out competed by invasives.

The property is adjacent to Fair Meadows State Natural Area, and in close proximity to Lake Marsh State Wildlife Area, Red Cedar Lake State Natural Area, and privately managed property. The land enhances and complements this area by providing greater opportunities for wildlife habitat and movement by increasing the area's environmental corridors.