Japanese hedge parsley (Torilis japonica) is one of the so-called emerging weeds for southern Wisconsin. Unfortunately, it has been at Pleasant Valley Conservancy ever since we started restoration work. I'm…

Nick Faessler of the Prairie Bluff Chapter of the Prairie Enthusiasts has designed a clever shovel for digging wild parsnip, sweet clover, or any other herbaceous weed. These are sold…

The late spring prairie flora is not as colorful as the summer flora, but there are some nice species. Generally, these species march in sequence across the calendar.Two weeks ago…

Bird's foot violet (Viola pedata) is one of those great early spring prairie plants. (See my post of May 17.) On one of our remnants we have a nice large…

When we began restoring our oak savannas at Pleasant Valley Conservancy, we had to deal with a huge amount of buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). We got rid of it, by brush…

The compass plant, Silphium laciniatum, is one of the signature species of a tall grass prairie. It is featured in the logo of The Prairie Enthusiasts, emphasizing its iconic nature.…

The past week has been one for the ages. Not quite up to Biblical levels, but still a record amount of rain. Two major rain storms within a few days…

White baneberry (Actaea alba), often called "doll's eyes", is now in bloom. This is not as common as red baneberry (Actaea rubra), which has been blooming for some time now.…

Saturday afternoon, June 7, 2008, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and the Prairie Enthusiasts (TPE) participated in the dedication of Pleasant Valley Conservancy State Natural Area. Despite the…

I re-read some of the posts I made last January and discovered that one of my predictions was wrong.At that time our contractor was clearing the East Basin of all…