The Prairie Enthusiasts Field Trip

Butterflies & Wildflowers at Pleasant Valley Conservancy

Pleasant Valley Conservancy is a beautiful state natural area situated in the Driftless Area, with steep goat prairies,oak savanna, and a large high quality marsh. It is a joint preserve of the Savanna Oak Foundation and The PrairieEnthusiasts. This time of year we hope to see Baltimore Checkerspots and perhaps some wetland skippers. Other possible butterfly species include swallowtails, Silvery Checkerspot, fritillaries, and blues. All of these butterflies will have many wonderful native plants to nectar on this time of year. We will be hiking about two miles. Long pants, a hat, water, and sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. This is a joint trip of the Southern Wis. Butterfly Assoc., the Madison Audubon Society and The Prairie Enthusiasts. Bring along a bag lunch for after the field trip; beverages & dessert will be provided. Bring binoculars--the closer focus, the better. (A few extra binoculars areavailable.)  

Trip leaders:  Dr. Douglas Buego of SWBA and Kathie & Tom Brock

(tdbrock@charter.net or 608-238-5050)

Directions:

 4609 Pleasant Valley Rd, Black Earth.  Meet on Pleasant Valley Road, drive 3/4 mile (past the buildings on the right) to the state natural area sign. Park off of the road. We'll meet near the sign/gate area and then proceed into the wetland.