Native Pollinators Presentation

Some attendees trying to determine a species of native bumblebee  (Photo & article by Susan Lipnick) On June 27, biologist Bev Paulan treated Northwest Illinois Prairie Enthusiasts members and guests to the presentation “Native Plants Need Native Pollinators” at The Prairie Enthusiasts Hanley Savanna in rural Hanover, Illinois. The event, originally scheduled for late June […]

Rare Plants

“Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.”  William Feather People who are passionate about prairie restoration are a rare breed. However, as the number of these prairie warriors grow, so too will the numbers of successfully grown rare and endangered plants in our states.  We recently heard about […]

Fun in the Sun – 2021 Annual Meeting & Picnic

There couldn’t have been a more idyllic scene for The Prairie Enthusiasts picnic and annual meeting.  Basking in the glow of a perfect summer day, members gathered on Sunday, July 18th, 2021 at the UW-Milwaukee Field Station at Waukesha to learn and celebrate together.  There was a palpable energy, a feeling of hope permeating the […]

Effect of Wild Parsnip Removal on Black Swallowtails

Very often in the world of prairie restoration, there are differences of opinion on the ‘best’ way to improve a piece of land. After receiving the question below, Dan Carter wrote a reply that we felt would be helpful to share with everyone.   QUESTION from a TPE member Just wondering what protection measures you implement […]

Blue Sky Botany – June

Botanist and early TPE member Rob Baller created this series for our friends at Blue Mounds Area Project. The “blue sky” technique is Rob’s favorite for taking stunning plant photographs. Let him know what you think at robertballer@outlook.com. ALWAYS get permission from the property owner if you want to try this technique.     Yellow umbels (Zizia spp., […]

Blue Sky Botany – May

Botanist and early TPE member Rob Baller created this series for our friends at Blue Mounds Area Project. The “blue sky” technique is Rob’s favorite for taking stunning plant photographs. Let him know what you think at robertballer@outlook.com. ALWAYS get permission from the property owner if you want to try this technique.   Three puccoons (Lithospermum spp.) Lithospermum […]

Remembering Tom Brock

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of longtime TPE member Tom Brock. A true champion for prairies, Tom was also an accomplished microbiologist. Take a look at these remembrances that have been shared everywhere from our own Prairie Promoter to The New York Times. Photo by Kathie Brock   Tom and his wife Kathie were […]

Seed and Plant Sources

Here is a partial list of Wisconsin native plant nurseries.  Do you have a favorite source? Wi native plant nurseries

Blue Sky Botany – April

Botanist and early TPE member Rob Baller created this series for our friends at Blue Mounds Area Project. The “blue sky” technique is Rob’s favorite for taking stunning plant photographs. Let him know what you think at robertballer@outlook.com. ALWAYS get permission from the property owner if you want to try this technique.   Pasqueflower (Anemone patens) […]

The Parsnip Predator: Handy and Homegrown

If you’re not familiar with the Parsnip Predator, you’re missing out! Invented and produced by members of TPE’s Prairie Bluff Chapter, the Parsnip Predator is a tool designed for prairie invaders like wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) and burdock (Arctium minus). It has gone through a few changes over the years, but it’s still just as […]