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Some of you may have noticed that another restored prairie has joined the lineup in Hixon Forest that is visible from Bliss Road. This is Birch Point Prairie! Contractor and volunteer work began in the fall of 2024 and has been supported by both the La Crosse Area Community Foundation, the Natural Resources Foundation, and donations from members of Friends of the Blufflands. Thank you to all! As can be seen in the map of Lower Hixon circled in red, Birch Point Prairie is next to Zoerb Prairie, followed by Lookout Prairie then Vista Prairie. These three prairies have undergone restoration and it is felt that adding Birch Point Prairie to this lineup enhances the overall habitat value. This arrangement is often referred to as an “archipelago” and the habitat value is felt to be multiplied instead of just added together when connected in this fashion. It will be exciting to see more and more insects, such as butterflies and native bees, birds, and other critters using these prairies connected in this fashion. To add to this line up of restored prairies, FBL might consider restoration of Log Prairie circled in pink on the map sometime in the future. The restoration of Birch Point Prairie is still incomplete with a significant amount of volunteer work that will be needed for the unavoidable resprouts and seedlings that will reoccur. And, eventually, the prairie will be burned for the first time in many years. Subsequent photos show the prairie in various stages of restoration. First, before any of the current restoration efforts, second after the central prairie was cleared, and last a nice sunset view from the prairie with Zoerb and Lookout Praries in the background. FBL will start having collaborative volunteer work days with the Coulee Region Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts on most Wednesdays and Saturdays in September. Please consider joining us! If you would like to be on our volunteer list, please contact Jon Rigden at jonathanrigden@me.com. (fb)