An Update on the 160-Acre Addition to Pheasant Branch Conservancy (November 2024)

This past February, the last 40-acre quadrant within the 160-acre addition on the northern border of Pheasant Branch Conservancy was planted with a rich and diverse seed mix by Dane County Parks. This entire area was formerly the Acker dairy farm operation until it was purchased by Dane County for restoration into natural wetlands, prairie, run-off water management berms, and retention ponds.

In collaboration with the Clean Lakes Alliance and with an Alliant Energy Grant, the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy raised over $100,000 to purchase this “Platinum Prairie” seed mix, which contains well over 200 varieties of native seeds that will eventually be harvested for use throughout Dane County’s natural areas.

Additionally, during the earlier stages of restoration 3-4 years ago, over 200 metal fence posts and barbed wire fencing were removed by the Friends volunteer workday groups and Operation Fresh Start training groups. The invasive vegetation embedded along these fence lines was also removed following the removal of fencing and livestock gates.

Earlier this spring, the first quadrant (seen in the top left of the photo) was managed with a prescribed burn. This summer the “Weed Warriors” volunteer group also worked to remove invasives in this newly planted area every other Wednesday. As can also be seen in the photo, Dane County Parks staff have used mowing as a management technique to discourage unwanted vegetation from going to seed. Also, through the Friends’ generous donations in funding and under the direction of Rob Schubert (Land Manager for the FOPBC), the Restoration and Management Committee was able to treat some areas with herbicides designed to target unwanted and invasive vegetation. All these efforts in management are aimed at providing the best possible conditions for the Platinum Prairie seeds to germinate and begin to dominate the desired vegetation.

Of special note, the grassland birds have also begun to return to this extensive grassland area within PBC, including bobolinks, Eastern meadowlarks, dickcissels and a host of other sparrows and wrens. With their return to this new area, we are also beginning to see them populate other adjoining areas within PBC. Keeping dogs on short leashes and carefully managing prescribed burns, mowing, and other invasive management techniques will go a long way to promoting these grassland bird populations.

Also, even with several earlier heavy periods of rain, there was almost no runoff into the southern portions of PBC. As you might know, this 160-acre addition is an important part of an extensive watershed from miles around. The “Platinum Prairie” is already doing its part with the deep roots of native plants to absorb and cleanse the runoff water on its way to Lake Mendota and the Yahara Chain of Lakes.

Lastly, as you look at the recent drone image of this area and looking South to Lake Mendota, the upper left southeast quadrant was the first to be planted in 2021 (bordering Pheasant Branch Hill on the south). The next planting occurred in February of 2022 (upper right and southwest quadrant), then the lower right or northwest quadrant in 2023 and finally this February the lower left and northeast quadrant. The plantings are done during this time of year for a few key reasons. First, with late winter alternating thawing and freezing, seed stratification occurs in which seed dormancy is broken and germination can occur when the ground has warmed enough to promote the survival of seedlings. Also, Dane County Parks staff can be more certain of seed spread in both quantity and area coverage when there is some snow cover against which to see the seeds being spread.

Again, thank you to all who have already contributed in both monetary and volunteering ways to make this “Platinum Prairie” become a reality. We look forward to continuing our teamwork with all of you to keep Pheasant Branch Conservancy the “gem” of a natural lands area that it