2012 Walworth County Prairie Walk scheduled

Join other prairie enthusiasts at the annual Walworth County Prairie Walk on Wednesday, July 11 at Price Park Conservancy on Hodunk Road.

Registration begins at 8:30 am and the program follows at 9:00. The fee of $15 includes lunch cooked on site, reference materials, and a morning exploring this Walworth County Park.

Price Park Conservancy was established in 1995 and 1996 with a 66-acre donation by Merle and Thomas H. Price and a second acquisition of 49 acres from the Feldman family, which includes the Mathilde Schreiner Woods.

The park features a variety of ecosystems, including prairie, sedge meadow, shallow marsh, and upland oak woods.

A number of experts will be on hand at this year's prairie walk to answer questions about these ecosystems and management of their flora and fauna.

This year's walk is "Back to Basics" and will feature speakers who will guide participants through the process of establishing a prairie, including species selection, soil preparation, and planting followed by basic management principles for prairie sites.

Lisa Reas from LJ Reas Environmental Consulting will discuss use of native species and will have native perennial plants available for purchase.

Those attending are asked to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets, water bottles, and insect repellent and sunscreen if desired.

For more information about registration, contact the Extension office at 262-741-4951 or download a registration form at: http://walworth.uwex.edu.