The Prairie Enthusiasts (TPE), a nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving and restoring prairie ecosystems in the Upper Midwest, are working to protect a 77-acre addition to Erbe Grassland. With the Uren Trust Addition, The Prairie Enthusiasts aim to safeguard crucial groundwater resources, preserve ecological habitats, and provide public recreational opportunities.
Located in the Town of Blue Mounds, the site has been identified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as a conservation priority for over 25 years. It boasts the highest groundwater recharge rate in Dane County, making it vital for maintaining water quality in the region.
The addition is adjacent to existing protected land and will create a contiguous 216-acre critical habitat area for several endangered species, including the rusty-patched bumblebee and the regal fritillary butterfly. It will also provide essential nesting and foraging areas for seven species of grassland birds of Greatest Conservation Need. Efforts will also focus on re-establishing native plant communities, which will help reduce phosphorus runoff and improve water quality in nearby trout streams. This restoration work will transform the land into a thriving prairie ecosystem, benefiting both wildlife and water resources.
Located just minutes from Mount Horeb and near popular attractions like Cave of the Mounds and Blue Mound State Park, the property will be open for public recreation including hunting and birdwatching. It will also serve as an educational resource, demonstrating prairie restoration techniques for local landowners and providing opportunities for nature study.
On June 17, 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) awarded a $394,300 Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grant to The Prairie Enthusiasts for the Uren Trust project. TPE is also seeking support from the Bobolink Foundation and conducting their own fundraising efforts. In protecting this high-quality remnant, TPE will blend ecological preservation, water resource protection, and public land access, while working to preserve the diverse components of endangered prairie communities. LEARN MORE
Featured image by Joshua Mayer, 2013.
