Curtis Prairie ramble

Though we missed much of the late summer bloom, there was still much to see and enjoy as Mark and I spent an hour zigging and zagging over Curtis Prairie the other day. For those of you who are not local, Curtis Prairie — at the University of Wisconsin Arboretum in Madison — is the world's oldest restored prairie.

It covers 60 acres and some of the early work on it was done by the Civilan Conservation Corps during the late 1930s under the direction of Aldo Leopold and John Curtis. This is a tallgrass prairie and now is a perfect time to wander among the massive ranks of big bluestem.

The Jackson Oak was growing in this spot the early 1800s and for many years was the iconic symbol of the Arboretum. Though it died in the 1990s, its remant trunk and branches still serve as a visual marker to all of us who hike the prairie. Mark and I took a short woodsy detour just past the oak.

Heading out of the woods you can see the Visitor Center across the prairie.

The red in the background (below) is not a plant but a marker for a research project. Though area residents use the Arboretum like a park or public garden, it is really an ecological research area. 

Comments

[Lisa at Greenbow]

What a nice place to hike. It is that time of year to find interesting moss, mushrooms and fungus.

[Cindy at enclos*ure]

Lovely photos. I have been enjoying the purple asters, which seem to be the final wild flower of the season.

[Pam/Digging]

Lovely. I have fond memories of an October visit to Madison a few years ago. :)

[rusty duck]

I can quite understand why you love walking there. The colours are beautiful.

[Meg]

I would love to visit and walk in this prairie. What are the best times of year? Fall looks beautiful!