Southern Wisconsin Land Conservancy

09/03/2026

A glimpse of an ancient plant at Sunny Peace Prairie! 🌿

This is Equisetum, commonly known as horsetail! It belongs to a group of plants with a history stretching back over 350 million years. With its distinctive jointed stems and simple, scale-like leaves, horsetail has a look unlike most of the plants we see today.

Often referred to as a “living fossil,” Equisetum gives us a glimpse into the Carboniferous period where its ancestors Calamites were over 100 feet tall. Equisetum is one of a handful of plant species that reproduces by releasing microscopic spores instead of seeds.
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08/28/2026

Look what’s popping up after the burn! 🔥🌿

This Meadow Rue is a welcome sight following a prescribed burn. Native plants like this are able to quickly emerge after fire, showing us that a burned landscape is far from lifeless!

Prescribed fire plays an important role in maintaining healthy, diverse prairie habitat. 🌼..

08/21/2026

This American Toad was spotted enjoying the habitat at Sunny Peace Prairie, where restored prairie and natural areas provide important shelter and resources for a variety of wildlife.

American Toads are valuable members of the ecosystem, helping keep insect populations in check while serving as an important food source for other wildlife. Every species has a role to play in a healthy prairie! 🌱
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08/20/2026

What a perfect day for a trail walk! 🥾 Thank you to everyone who joined us at Sunny Peace Prairie yesterday for a trail walk in collaboration with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Rock County! It was a great turnout, and we were so excited to share the views of Sunny Peace Prairie with you! 🗺️

Haven’t had a chance to visit? Plan a visit today!
☀️ Sunny Peace Prairie
📍 2604 S C**n Island Rd, Orfordville, WI 53576 ..

08/18/2026

Conservation in Action at Sunny Peace Prairie! 🔎🌿

The Lower Sugar River Watershed Association Field Station team recently spent time at Sunny Peace Prairie collecting valuable field data. Through hands-on monitoring and research, the team helps us better understand the health of our local ecosystems and the species that call these lands home.

Field data like this plays an important role in guiding conservation and land management decisions. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support this work and learn more about the incredible natural communities found throughout our region! 🌱
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08/10/2026

Don’t worry! Sunny Peace Prairie’s trails are open! Visit today! 🌾 www.swconservancy.org/sunny-peace-prairie

⚠️ Trail Closure Notice ⚠️

Please be aware that the majority of Three Waters Reserve’s trails are closed until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding!

Looking to get outside and explore? 🌿 Visit our sister reserve, Sunny Peace Prairie in Orfordville, to get your trail fix while TWR’s trails are closed!

📍 Sunny Peace Prairie: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wf8YrwQuYRZyxC4ZA

Thank you for your patience and support!
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07/29/2026

Bee Balm is one of the summer stars of our prairies! 🌸🐝

With its vibrant blooms and sweet, minty fragrance, Bee Balm is a favorite of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. As these visitors move from flower to flower, they help pollinate native plants that support healthy ecosystems.

Beyond its beauty, Bee Balm is an important native perennial that adds color, supports biodiversity, and provides a valuable nectar source throughout the summer! 🪻..

07/21/2026

Prairie Check-in! 🌼

Lupine has wrapped up its bloom for the year, but the summer show is going strong with coneflower, butterflyweed, and plenty of other native color!

Don’t miss out on these peak prairie views! Visit our reserves today!
☀️ Sunny Peace Prairie: 2604 S C**n Island Rd, Orfordville, WI 53576
🌻 Three Waters Reserve: N3941 Golf Course Rd, Brodhead, WI 53520..