Close-up of a Cup Plant “cup” which is overflowing with water days after a rain. It has been a challenge to get out this summer—sometimes too hot, sometimes too wet,…

Back on September 16, 2025, our large, still healthy-looking white oaks began dropping acorns on my head as I was looking for seeds and weeds. I took this as a…

We completed our burns for the season on Sunday, March 29. The larger section included the high woods (unit 13), an area north of Toby’s Prairie, the Triangle, and Toby’s…

Now, in the middle of a March blizzard, is the perfect time to report on our first two days of spring burns. In addition, the obvious question to think about…

Our boardwalk extending into the marsh (Fall, 2025). The walkway takes off from the mowed lane that runs between the Crane Prairie and the wetland, near the waterfowl box. Picture…

The guys and gals circle and join hands, fluff out their colorful petticoats. The crew in the center clump tightly together to form an inviting and nutritious landing pad for…

This has been a good year for sweet clover. That’s not to say there are walls of it everywhere at Pleasant Valley and Black Earth Prairie, as in the years…

“Things happen at Pleasant Valley Conservancy, but sometimes things just are. Many small things are big, many big things are just many small things. Some big things can’t be measured.”…

Last week was typical of my early May schedule: searching for garlic mustard and creeping bellflower. Weeding rules #1 and #2 were strictly followed. They are: see other stuff, and…

Firenado/Smokenado in the Crane Prairie on March 12, 2025 We’ve finished our burns for the season. On March 12, we began by lighting along the upper edge of savanna units…