Prairie Pollinators Walk
![prairie at Mathy Quarry](/sites/default/files/styles/events_detail/public/2023-06/prairie_at_mathy.rhorer_dsc0871c1_small.jpg?itok=OXxmbE-h)
REGISTRATION CLOSED. Mississippi Valley Conservancy is pleased to offer a guided Prairie Pollinators Walk to help identify and appreciate the essential role of native habitats and pollinators on Saturday, August 19th. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the La Crosse blufflands while learning about ongoing restoration efforts to support diverse natural communities there. This activity is part of Wisconsin Land Trust Days, a statewide celebration of conservation and the role of land trusts in protecting the natural health and scenic beauty of our state and beyond.
The expert guides leading this wildflower walk, Mike O’Brien from Friends of the Blufflands and Chris Kirkpatrick from Mississippi Valley Conservancy, will share their knowledge of prairie pollinators and the beneficial roles they play in La Crosse’s bluffland ecology.
This site’s 477 acres offer scenic vistas and almost 5 miles of hiking trails. From the County Road FA trailhead, one can enjoy an easy hike out onto one of the northernmost sections of the beautiful La Crosse blufflands. Along this trail, participants will see rock outcroppings, blufftop prairies, and the remains of a rock quarry. Pollinators that might be observed utilizing the prairie plantings include native bumblebees and butterflies such as monarchs. The presenters will also discuss the relationship between the prairie plants and the pollinators as well as management considerations and the benefits of native pollinators.
This land was protected through the La Crosse Blufflands Protection Program to provide scenic preservation and ensure that the beauty of the City’s landscape is not destroyed by poorly-planned development. The program was created to protect rare natural communities such as bluff prairies and provide a marvelous outdoor recreational resource for the public.
The Conservancy’s 2023 Linked to the Land series of outdoor events is sponsored by Olson Solar Energy with media support from WXOW/News 19.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this FREE event by August 16 at www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org/events. With limited parking space, carpooling is recommended.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED
County Rd FA Trailhead (Mathy Quarry Trails): N3065 Cty Rd FA, La Crosse, WI - From La Crosse: Follow Bliss Road up the bluff past Alpine Inn. Turn Left on Cty Rd FA and follow for 1.5 miles. The trailhead parking area is at end of road. If parking is full, please park along the west side of the road.