Sunday, August 3, 2008: 7:45 AM-4:15 PM

West Well St. Entrance , Midwest Airlines Center

FT 5 - Exploring Natural Plant Communities at Lapham Peak State Park and Lulu Lake Preserve

We will begin at the tower of Lapham Peak State Park, named after one of Wisconsin’s early scientists, Increase A. Lapham. After an initial orientation of the surrounding area from the 40-foot observation tower, a hiking loop will feature glacial remnants such as kettle-like formations, a look inside an eastern bluebird nestbox, and a short tour of the Park’s best remnant prairie. Returning to the tower area, the trip will continue one mile down Wisconsin’s historic Ice Age Trail, over 1000 miles in length. We will observe areas where invasive shrubs such as buckthorn, honeysuckle, and autumn olive have been removed, and where native forbs and grasses have been replanted. There will be an option for individuals to continue the hike to areas of restored prairie and savanna plantings, where there will be an opportunity to gather native prairie seeds. Hiking distance for the morning could be as far as two or three miles, with elevation changes of several hundred feet. From Lapham Peak, we will travel to Lulu Lake Preserve. Lulu Lake Preserve is one of the highest-quality natural areas in Wisconsin and provides habitat for diverse and rare species of plants and animals. Fourteen different types of natural communities are protected and managed here. The water in the kettle lake and wetlands of the Mukwonago River watershed is diverse and of high quality. Sedge meadows, bogs, and calcareous fens provide habitat for several rare species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Oak openings, among the rarest of plant communities, are protected on the preserve's uplands. Northern kittentail is the most endangered of plant species on the uplands and thrives in several locations. Many species of birds can be seen and heard in every community. This is a special place! Come and see for yourself.

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See more of The 93rd ESA Annual Meeting (August 3 -- August 8, 2008)