Will the Restoration of the Bluff Prairies Last?
- jonathanrigden
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
In May 2005 the Hixon Forest Comprehensive Plan was developed by the City of La Crosse Planning Department incorporating feedback from many nonprofit organizations and focus groups: https://lacrossehistory.org/filez/environment/Adopted_Hixon_Plan.pdf . This was the first management document for Hixon since it came into existence in 1913 and its purpose was to serve as a guide for management for the next 15-20 years. Additionally, it was meant to be reviewed at least every five years.
There were five major policy recommendations. Four were to manage the deer herd, control invasive species, manage the "old growth forest", and limit new recreational facilities. The fifth was to restore and retain existing remnant prairie sites.
How effectively has this plan been implemented? Most would argue that the deer herd has remained the same or perhaps even grown. Invasives are as problematic as ever with Oriental bittersweet, not mentioned in the plan, now appearing alongside buckthorn, honeysuckle, barberry, and others. The old growth forest remains unchanged, and there have been few new recreational facilities such as buildings but many new trails have been developed.
What about the prairies? The document identified 12 prairies in Hixon that together contained the full spectrum of plant species typically occurring on high quality prairies in southwest Wisconsin. These sites ranged from somewhat to severely degraded. They made up about 31 acres of the total 837 acres of Hixon and contained 5 of the 8 state-listed plant species in Hixon with the other 3 closely associated with the prairies. It was also noted that all of the sites would likely disappear in 10 to 30 years without management efforts with the greatest threats to the prairies being identified as exotic plants, the high deer density, and lack of prescribed fire. It identified 3 of the 12 that had been managed to some extent, including Lookout Point (now simply Lookout), Middle (now called Zoerb Prairie), and Birch Point, but the downward trend continued without a coordinated effort.
In 2016, Friends of the Blufflands was formed. Since then, their efforts, alongside the Coulee Region Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts and numerous volunteers, have significantly improved the condition of most of the prairies. Stry, Vista, Lookout, Zoerb, Birch Point Prairies in Hixon Forest are in various stages of restoration as well as Mathy, Dobson, and Juniper Tract Prairies located outside of Hixon. Lookout Savanna has been carved out of a buckthorn-infested patch of woods below Lookout Prairie and is also an ongoing project.
This has been a lot of work! Much it has been done by a few highly dedicated volunteers.
This work, though not easy, is very rewarding. There is a Latin phrase, "labor ipse voluptas" which means that "work itself is a pleasure". Embracing this mind set can bring joy for many types of work, even those that initially seem tedious. By overcoming the monotony and tough moments, you can develop a passion for what you do, and then... you'll never "work" another day in your life! This transformation can be nurtured by getting to know some of the plants on the prairie, the butterflies and bumblebees, and seeing them and all of the other critters enjoying the fruits of your labor. Like this industrious brown belted bumblebee, pictured below on Zoerb Prairie, loaded down with orange pollen from the lead plant that it is visiting.
It's also rewarding to hear hikers and other trail users express their delight when they emerge from the monotonous, buckthorn-filled forest and encounter a prairie, often noting that they provide an ideal destination for their day's journey.
For these prairies to thrive and last into the future they will need ongoing care and effort. Friends could really use additional volunteers of all levels. Even an hour here and there is most appreciated. And who knows, maybe you will "catch the prairie bug" and eventually want to join the board or become a site steward for one of the prairies!
FBL has scheduled collaborative work days with the Coulee Region Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the coming months. Here is the line up for the next 1-2 weeks:
September 6 (Saturday) - Marowski Bluff Prairie in Ferryville (ends at 10:00 followed by a guided hike). Located at 61675 Grand Vista Road near Ferryville.
September 10 (Wednesday) - Holland Sand Prairie near Holmen. Located at W7781 CTH-MH.
September 13 (Saturday) - Stry Prairie in La Crosse. Meet at the end of Rim of the City Road.
Workdays are 7:00 to noon unless otherwise specified, but you can come late or leave early as needed.
As always, come prepared with sturdy shoes, long pants, work gloves, water and a snack.
Please let FBL know if you are interested by sending a note through the "comments" section of this website or an email to jonathanrigden@me.com.
