Nature at Buckhorn State Park
Buckhorn State Park includes a number of different environments, ranging from floodplain forest to prairie, savanna, and desertlike areas.
Scenic Vista
The Sandblow Walk leads you out onto a typical central Wisconsin sandblow. This desert-like area recalls the park's Ice Age history when the region was covered by glacial Lake Wisconsin. There are two interpretive signs at this site.
A boardwalk and observation platform give visitors a view of the sandblow
area.
DNR Photo
Prairie and savanna restorations
Juneau County was part of the original major region of prairies and open savannas in Wisconsin. Oak barrens and oak savannas were most typical types of prairie in the central sands area. Oak savannas are grasslands with occasional large oak trees predominating, while prairies are large grasslands without trees.
Without fire and grazing, forests replaced the open savannas and prairies. The change in habitat meant the loss of habitat for grassland songbirds, certain game birds, such as grouse and ring-necked pheasants, other insects and reptiles.
Buckhorn State Park has several areas of prairie restoration. Several large areas in the northeast section of the park were planted some years ago and have a beautiful growth of big bluestem and Indian grass, as well as some flowering forbs such as bergamot, goldenrod, asters, flowering spurge and round-headed bush clover.
Several areas along the main park road are marked for savanna restoration. Many park visitors wonder about the large number of dead oaks in this area. A fungus called "oak wilt" that spreads quickly through the roots killed the oaks within a short time.
Area residents who pay a small fee for firewood permits are now removing the dead wood. In spring, when weather permits, prescribed burns will be used to remove brush, leaves and dead grasses. Studies have shown that doing this encourages the re-establishment of prairie grasses and plants whose root sytems and seeds are in the soil.
Some native prairie seeds will be planted. Seeds are obtained from a nursery specializing in prairie plants of this area, from Bureau of Endangered Resource sites, and through collection of seeds from the existing prairie areas here and at Roche-A-Cri State Park.
To learn more about prairie restoration, walk along the prairie areas in the park, check the park bulletin boards and office, and attend the naturalist programs on prairies.
You also can hike on the 1.5-miles Barrens Nature Trail and Pond Trail. Large, full-color nature signs along the trails explain what barrens are, what oak wilt is, plants and animals found in barrens, and how the area is being restored. A 100--by-100-foot enclosure was built in 2007 along the Pond Trail. Deer cannot get into the fenced area. It will enable us to monitor plants inside the fence and show the differences between them and those in areas werhe deer can browse.
State Natural Areas
Two State Natural Areas were designated in 2002. The 2000-acre Buckhorn Barrens State Natural Area overlays the park and Wildlife Area A.
The 820-acre Yellow River Oxbows State Natural Area overlays a portion of Wildlife Area B. This area consists of oxbows and floodplain forests.
Threatened Bird calls Buckhorn Home
Spotting its prey, the large bird
plummets from 80 feet above the river. The bird disappears briefly in
a spray of water emerging a moment later clasping a two-pound walleye
in its talons. While straining to gain altitude, the bird changes its
grip on the fish so it's carried easily, with its head into the wind.You've
just seen an osprey, a large rare bird of prey that feeds exclusively
on fish. The catch will be shared with newly hatched chicks back at the
nest.
Osprey generally nest in large trees or on rocky cliffs, but they will accept nest platforms on top of tall trees. One such man-made nest site is along the shoreline in Buckhorn State Park.
The osprey has never been common, but the use of DDT and other "hard" pesticides caused a drastic decline in their numbers in the 1950s and 1960s. Since the banning of DDT in 1972 the species has slowly increased in number, but remains on the Wisconsin threatened species list. Osprey are seen here on a regular basis, so keep your eyes on the sky while visiting Buckhorn.
This may be your only chance to see one in the wild. The osprey is mostly white underneath, but its back is brownish-black. A conspicuous dark "stripe" runs across its cheeks. These birds often spotted gliding above the river in search of their next meal. Watch for these "anglers;" they're real experts.
For more information about the Friends of Buckhorn State Park, any volunteer project, or Buckhorn State Park, please call 608-565-2789 or email Joe Stecker-Kochanski, Buckhorn / Roche-A-Cri State Parks
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