Overview

The Demonstration Prairie was planted by the Dane County Parks Division in 1997 when the Lyman F. Anderson Agriculture & Conservation building was first built.  The plot has average moisture typical in a mesic prairie.  Currently, the prairie contains 38 plant species native to mesic prairies in Dane County (2 grass and 36 forbs). The forbs are primarily mid (17 species) to late (14 species) season bloomers, with a mix of heights and colors. Early season species (7) have been added to balance the mix. The pale purple coneflower is threatened in Wisconsin. All of the wild flowers are attractive to insect pollinators and some attract birds. Each spring the prairie is burned to stimulate new growth and help control weeds. 

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. 

Demonstration Prairie Team
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:

-          Native prairie plant attributes and identification

-          Native prairie plant care requirements

-          Insects and birds attracted to prairie plants and host plants

-          Collecting, drying, cleaning, and germinating plant seeds

-          Managing a seed production bed

-          Resources on Wisconsin prairies

One team is responsible for the care and maintenance of both the Demonstration Prairie and Rain Garden.  To join this team, contact Karen Allenstein.  2024 team members include:

Janis Noonan, 7th year

Doreen Treuden, 3rd year

Content produced through:

       Dane County UWEX Master Gardener Volunteer Program 

       Questions?  

       Dane County UWEX Horticulture Program