Goldenrod and New England Asters with Monarch by Pam Holy
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Greetings, Friends of the Prairie,
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Perhaps you remember a rhyme from childhood like "Asters are here, and Goldenrod, too. Pack up the cart with yellow and blue". Other jingles pair lavender and gold. In any case, it all points to asters and goldenrod teaming up in September to splash color across the Prairie. They feed the multitudes of insects who, along with all Prairie creatures, are preparing to travel or overwinter here. The color combinations that are so appealing to humans also appeal to pollinators who are known to visit the combination more than either color growing alone. And, has the Prairie got Species! Our website lists six of asters and ten of goldenrod. This year the goldenrods are a bit ahead of the asters, but the pollinators aren’t waiting. This year's drought conditions, last Sunday's rain notwithstanding, have favored some species and hindered others. The Blazing Stars are ones seemingly much favored.
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Monarch on Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya) by Eric Howe
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Starting at the end of July, the Blazing Star began its record-breaking appearance, much to the delight of nectar seeking Monarchs. Large areas of Prairie South of 116th Street were painted lavender by the most prodigious appearance of Liatris in memory. Unlike most flowering plants, Liatris species flower from the top down, making them visible early. Chiwaukee is home to Rough, Prairie, Marsh, and Cylindrical Blazing Star species.
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Prairie south of 116th Street by Pam Holy
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Prairie Plant Walks Pause
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by Pam Holy
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Naturalist Kay McClelland led her final 2022 Chiwaukee Prairie Walk on September 3rd attended by 20 plant aficionados. In spite of the heat, all were delighted with the presentation. This past Saturday, Kay led a walk for Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin members, a group of 18. As usual, information included a little history, a little geology and lots of plant names and facts. This is a great way to learn about the richest prairie in Wisconsin and the attendees thought so, too! Keep her walks in mind for next year.
"… the most ordinary scrap of meadow can rock us back on our heels in awe."
Robin Wall Kimmerer Braiding Sweetgrass
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Really, the last extra workday, September 4. by Eric Howe
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Since the regular workday on July 16, there have been eight extra workdays to control Queen Anne's Lace, Mullein, White Sweet Clover, and other invasive species. The end is past. Sunday, September 4, we finished up work on those invaders.
Saturday, September 17, we will be cutting and herbiciding sumac. Depending on the weather and the turnout, we may also collect seed. The prediction is for partly cloudy skies with a high of 83 °F. Winds are expected to be SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Wear old clothes, long pants and sturdy shoes or boots and gloves. Consider bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat. Masks will not be required since we are outside the entire time. We supply tools, water, instructions, and answers to all your questions about the Prairie.
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The workday is from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Come for part or all of it.
PLEASE NOTE:
We will meet on 2nd Avenue at 122nd Street.
( Click here or here for a map)
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If you would like to be notified about additional workday opportunities, plant scouting opportunities or plant identification walks, please update your preferences at the end of this email.
Workday cancellations will be posted on our website and Facebook by 8:00 AM on the workday. If you are unsure whether a workday will take place, please use good judgement when deciding whether or not to attend.
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If you have questions, please email or call 773-515-2772.
Thank you for your support,
Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund, Inc.
(Please remember us on AmazonSmile and Goodshop)
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