In 2019, a 480 foot expansion of the prairie to the sidewalk edge was completed. This expansion makes it easier for visitor's to view the wide range of native prairie plants and pollinators in the prairie and scan the QR coded plant labels for each of the 20 species planted.
In 2019, 4 prairie seed production boxes were constructed and installed on the soutwest corner of the office building by Master Gardener Volunteers Bob Lasseter and Marc Nielsen. The boxes were constructed on The Prairie Enthusiasts' design which deters animals from eating the seeds and plants, while allowing easy access for plant care and seed harvest. Current plantings include prairie blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium campestre) and prairie violets (Viola petatifida), both underrepresented in prairie restorations since their seeds are not always available and very expensive. They are important species, blooming early in spring which is important for pollinators. Seeds from the plantings are harvested each spring and planted in numerous prairies managed by Dane County Parks.
Diane Amundson is the team leader for the Demonstration Prairie.
Since 2011, Diane has been involved with the Teaching Garden and has grown vegetables and flowers for the annual Plant Sale held at the Extension each May. In 2015, Diane served as the coordinator of plantings for UW Extension exhibits at Farm Technology Days. In 2017 Diane joined the Ice Age Trail Alliance's mobile skills crew working on new sections of the trail. Diane has held the position of Biological Sciences Lab Technician at the US Dairy Forage Research Center since 1988.
Through hands on experience and sharing knowledge with other
master gardeners interested in prairies, team members learn about:
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Native prairie plant attributes and
identification
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Native prairie plant care requirements
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Insects and birds attracted to prairie plants
and host plants
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Collecting, drying, cleaning, and germinating plant
seeds
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Managing a seed production bed
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Resources on Wisconsin prairies
Janis Noonan, 7th year
Doreen Treuden, 3rd year
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Questions?