Restoration of Prairie Moraine Park
The photo above shows the view of the terminal moraine that was opened up by the preliminary clearing work done in the 11-acre oak savanna restoration area (Oct 2021-Feb 2022). The many oak saplings and native shrubs that were planted in October of 2022 were located so as to preserve the view from the hilltop while building toward an even more beautiful future.
All work done is in accordance with the 2002 Master Plan for Prairie Moraine County Park and under the direction of Dane County Parks.
Two of the Five Objectives in the Master Plan:
I. Protect significant natural and geologic resources within the park, including protection of desirable open viewsheds.
II. Create a park environment that allows co-existence of off-leash pet exercise areas, Ice Age Trail corridor, and vegetative restoration efforts.
Dane County Parks (DCP) is responsible for the policies, management plans, and
work plans for the operation, maintenance, and restoration of Prairie Moraine Park.
Volunteers assist DCP with this work. Any questions about these policies, plans, or
restoration activities should be directed to DCP at 608-224-3730.
Dane County Parks
December 16, 2021 at 10:39 AM on Facebook
Our restoration work is in full swing at the Prairie Moraine Dog Park! In several areas of the park, invasive species have taken over and diminished the use of the area where dogs can run, blocked views of significant geologic features and crowded out native vegetation. Volunteers have worked for many years to remove invasives and restore the three primary natural resource communities which historically existed in the park: prairies, oak savannas/openings, and oak woodlands. The restored landscape will provide more space for dogs to run, improve ecosystem benefits such as water infiltration and pollinator habitat, and offer a biologically diverse landscape.
In October, we added a temporary fence in the southwest corner of the park where active restoration is occurring. Fencing off the restoration area means volunteers can work on removing invasive species and planting oak trees and woodland vegetation without having to close the park for work days. That means less disruption for park users. The fence will remain in place through the fall of 2022 so volunteers can continue to remove invasives, treat any resprouts and plant native vegetation in accordance with the vegetation management plan.
We are excited to report some of the project accomplishments, including:
- All invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle has been removed from the project area.
- Native shrubs including hazelnut, elderberry and plum will be planted in 2022.
- Twenty-four oaks have been planted in the oak woodland unit.
- Around 50 dying ash trees, infested by emerald ash borer, have been removed.
- A grove of young oaks, a stand of American plum, and several American hazelnut were uncovered from the invasive brush, helping to ensure their long term survival.
- Several gorgeous views of the terminal moraine have been opened up.
To learn more about this project, visit:
Ten Commonly Asked Questions
Who decides what volunteer work will be done at Prairie Moraine Park?
Dane County Parks (DCP) staff is responsible for deciding what work will be done at the park. They use a “Vegetation Plan” to make decisions for the restoration work being done at the park.
Where can I find the “Vegetation Plan” for Prairie Moraine Park?
It is posted on our "Resources" web page, in the "Additional Resources" section on the bottom of this page, or just use the "Download" button below. This plan describes the desired tree, shrub, and plant communities for the park.
Who decides how this work will be completed?
DCP staff decides how the work will be completed. Based on those instructions, volunteers develop and follow an annual work plan that has been approved by DCP staff. These volunteers are trained by DCP on how to identify invasive species and how to reduce or eliminate them in the park.
Who are these volunteers?
There are three types of volunteers in Dane County Parks:
- Walk-Up volunteers work on straight-forward projects such as pulling garlic mustard in the spring.
- Registered volunteers receive basic training on identifying trees, shrubs, and plants; selecting correct management techniques; and, using tools and equipment.
- Certified volunteers receive in-depth training from DCP and UW-Extension and lead restoration projects in the park.
How is Prairie Moraine Friends involved in this effort?
Prairie Moraine Friends (PMF) was created to support Dane County Parks with the development, restoration, conservation, and operation of Prairie Moraine Park. Most, but not all, PMF volunteers are park users and dog owners. One of PMF’s primary goals is to create a healthy, safe, and stimulating off-leash dog exercise area in Dane County.
Where are the primary invasive trees and shrubs located in the park?
Prairie Moraine Park consists of 160 acres and is divided into two areas; an on-leash area that is part of the Nation’s Ice Age Trail System, and an off-leash dog exercise area. Each area is about 80 acres. The on-leash area has undergone extensive restoration in the last 20 years. Most of the invasive species are located in the off-leash area.
What methods are used to eradicate or reduce these invasive species?
There are three primary methods used to remove invasive species from the park. The first method is the use of controlled or prescribed burning. This is the best and most lasting of the methods. It requires a high level of training and is most often done in spring before the vegetation starts to grow. A second method used at the park involves mechanically removing invasive species with mowers, brush cutter, or saws. Sometimes a third method, herbicide treatment, is necessary in order to control an invasive species.
How long will the restoration take?
There is no simple answer to this question. There will be years of volunteer effort needed to eradicate or reduce the invasive species in the park and more years for the desired trees, shrubs, and plants to take hold and develop into mature communities. While each step in the restoration project in the park provides immediate rewards, the truth is this restoration is being done for future generations of park users.
What will the park look like when it is finished?
In a word, the park will be beautiful when it is finished. Dane County Park users are fortunate to have this land available every day to hike on and exercise their dogs. The park is literally on the dividing line between the glacial and driftless regions of Dane County. When the restoration is complete, the park will have three major vegetation communities … oak woodlands, oak openings/savannas, and prairies.
To learn more about these communities, visit:
https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/EndangeredResources/Communities.asp
How can I help with the restoration work?
There are many ways for you to help:
- Join us on any posted park work day as a "walk up" volunteer.
- Sign up with Dane County Parks as a registered volunteer (see above).
- Join Prairie Moraine Friends and get involved in whatever way suits you best.
- Donate to Prairie Moraine Friends.
Natural areas program ...
Natural Areas Program
of Dane County Land and Water Resources, Parks Division
Mission
Restore and sustain the natural communities of Dane County Park lands to the highest standard while helping to foster within people a deeper connection to our natural resources and an understanding for the principles and practices of land stewardship.
Core values:
Ecosystem Recovery
- Restoration of ecosystem integrity, resiliency, and functionality.
- Sensitive and declining species restoration.
- Invasive species control.
Land Stewardship Education
- Training the next generation of land stewards.
- Connecting people to the land and waters of Dane County.
- Instilling a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.
Seasonal activities:
- Fall: Seed Collection, Processing, Planting
- Winter: Invasive Tree and Brush Removal
- Spring: Prescribed Burning
- Summer: Invasive Weed Control
Additional Resources
Prairie Moraine County Park Restoration
Prairie Moraine Park Vegetation Management Plan
Prairie Moraine County Park Restoration
A Dane County Parks Project Page
(December 2020 - Ongoing)
Prairie Moraine Vegetation Management
Prairie Moraine Park Vegetation Management Plan
Prairie Moraine County Park Restoration
Learn more about the restoration work being done in the park
(October 2018)
Prairie Moraine Park Vegetation Management Plan
Prairie Moraine Park Vegetation Management Plan
Prairie Moraine Park Vegetation Management Plan
A Dane County Parks, Land and Water Resource Department, Master Plan document (December 2019)