PAGE CREEK MARSH SNA TOUR AND BUTTERFLY WALK NEW!
(and optional hike up OBSERVATORY HILL SNA)
Sunday, June 4, 2017
10:00 a.m. to Noon
The Prairie Sands chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts (TPE), in Marquette County, will hold two field trips. In the morning we will tour Page Creek Marsh State Natural Area, which is a large wetland surrounded by diverse uplands that provide habitat for a wide variety of plants, birds and insects. The creek winds through farmland enhanced by remnants of native prairie and oak savanna. Oak uplands and prairies have been restored. Page Creek, because of its 652-acre size and habitat diversity, has been a reliable butterfly site.
Co-leader Dan Sonnenberg (SWBA) will help identify the first summer fliers. Hiking is on old logging roads and intermittent, unmarked trails, and through tall-grass fields. Ticks are abundant, so wear long pants that can be tucked into socks. Wear sturdy hiking shoes; a hat is recommended. Bring water and binoculars (the closer they can focus the better). We have a couple of extra binoculars. No facilities on site. TPE co-leaders are Laurel Bennett (Page Creek stewardship coordinator), and David Hamel. You are invited to bring a lunch to eat with the group at nearby John Muir Memorial Park where there are tables and restrooms. (From intersection of K and D take 10th Road south, then go south on Cty F for 1 mile.)
Email or Call Dan (mailto:dsonnenberg60@gmail.com or (608) 225-0451) to PRE-REGISTER or if you have a question about the trip or if weather forecast is questionable. (The trip is canceled if it rains.)
DIRECTIONS FROM MADISON: take Interstate Highway I-39 north, past Portage, into Marquette County. Take Exit# 104 and follow County D east for 3.45 miles (going through Packwaukee, where D turns right and goes across the lake). Turn left (north) onto County K and go 0.86 mile to a gated entrance on the right (east) side of K. Park here.
OPTIONAL: If you can, join the hike up 300 foot high Observatory Hill State Natural Area in the afternoon (1:30 p.m.). It is in the process of extensive DNR oak savanna restoration. Charlie Church (TPE) will lead this moderately challenging trip up Observatory Hill, so be prepared for some steep portions and rock outcroppings. (Meet at the DNR parking lot on the south side of the hill along Gillette Ave.) Map: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/naturalareas/index.asp?SNA=223
