Three Waters Reserve Conducts Prescribed Burn

The Southern Wisconsin Land Conservancy conducted the first prescribed burn on the Three Waters Reserve, near Brodhead on the Sugar River in Green County, on Wednesday, December 18.
The burn activity signals another site preparation activity necessary for the early spring planting of native prairie and savanna species that are part of the long-term restoration plan for the property.
Fire is an important tool for restoring and managing our local native landscapes. Burning removes the dense leaf litter that would otherwise hinder the germination of new seed. Under the oaks at the Reserve, where native plants have persisted, fire will help reinvigorate these remnant populations and stimulate the next generation of oak seedlings to grow and thrive.
Since purchasing the property in spring of 2018, SWLC has worked with local and regional partners to restore the land and develop conservation land uses and public programming for the former golf course and clubhouse.
Like the summertime cover crop that produced a colorful display of cheerful sunflowers, the billowing smoke of the recent burn attracted a stream of visitors to the Reserve. Nature walks will be scheduled during 2019, so that visitors can see the benefits of prescribed burning.
Citizens interested in visiting the Reserve to learn more about the restoration and the recent prescribed burn are invited to contact SWLC at (608) 897-8641, and ask for Steve Apfelbaum or Susan Lehnhardt.