Summer Solstice (almost) hike and picnic on the prairie!     Iowa Co., WI.          June 15 (Sat.), [rain date 6/16] 

Join us for an afternoon of hiking the bluff, prairie, and barrens of Rattlesnake Ridge, and celebrate the long evening of summer with a potluck dinner in the garden meadow.  TPE’s Rattlesnake Ridge preserve encompasses 80 acres featuring a ridgetop remnant prairie surrounded by woodlands, and blufflands with spectacular views of the Wisconsin River valley. We can look for rusty patched bumblebees on the prairie, see the effect of the first prescribed burn on the bluff, and check the 40 acres of privately owned sand barrens for the 4:30 show of the fame flowers.  Then stay to celebrate the upcoming solstice and relax with friends, a great meal, musical jam?, and all our Wisconsin summer has to offer!

Special instructions: Non-alcoholic beverages and tableware provided; please bring a dish to share, a fold up chair, and any other preferred beverages. Any musicians out there? Bring your instruments for an evening jam!  Hiking options vary from short and sweet to long and strenuous; sun protection, water, and insect repellent advised.

Time: 3:00 to 9:00 PM            Trip leader:  Sue Steinmann (ssteinmann6@gmail.com , 608-753-2332)

Directions:  7046 Reimann Rd., Arena.  Take Hwy 14 to Arena; south on Reimann at Arena Cheese Store (big mouse); right onto gravel lane at end of road; left at fork in the lane; continue 1/3 mile thru woods to parking area in front of greenhouse.