Hauser Road Prairie is a 45-acre TPE preserve managed by the Empire-Sauk Chapter. It straddles a scenic high ridge north of Waunakee, from which the State Capital can be seen. It is located within the once vast (250,000-acre) Empire Prairie of northern Dane and southern Columbia counties, and is one of the largest remaining pieces of that original prairie. We have a good chance of seeing three or four gentian species. Stiff gentian blooms in profusion and downy gentian is scattered throughout the site. A patch where bottle gentian has appeared in the past will be searched as well as the area where cream gentian seeds have been scattered. In addition, a number of late-blooming species should still be in flower, such as goldenrods and several aster species. A variety of grassland birds could be present or migrating. Migrating monarch butterflies should still be present. This is an off-trail hike of moderate difficulty. |
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