Thomas Wet Prairie
Steward
Don Hagar (dhagar@mwt.net)
Location
The Thomas Wet Prairie is located in Grant County on County Trunk Highway G, approximately 7.5 miles south of the village of Muscoda and 8 miles north of the intersection with US Highway 18.
Description
This high quality remnant consists of 13.7 acres.
It harbors over 200 species of grasses, sedges and forbs, including the rare glade mallow and tuberous Indian plantain.
History and Status
This site had served as a wet pasture for many years and the nature of the site may have inhibited overgrazing. The Southwest Wisconsin Prairie Enthusiasts (which later morphed into The Prairie Enthusiasts) had much enthusiasm but very little cash. David and Helen McGregor not only wanted to preserve the site, but also wanted to help SWPE "get off the ground". They donated the $4,750 needed to purchase the property. Their generosity not only saved this site for future generations, but also provided the needed impetus for creating a land trust that would succeed in preserving many more acres of fire-dependent communities in years to come! For both of these reasons, the significance of this purchase cannot be overstated.
Needs and Management
This site needs periodic brush removal and burning.