June 6 Dedication welcomes back a native Wisconsin prairie
Released: May 22, 2003
Black-eyed Susans, monarch butterflies and bluebirds won’t be the only ones on hand for the dedication of the prairie restoration at the UW-Whitewater Nature Preserve on Friday, June 6 at 2 p.m. Special guests include Native American Nick Hockings, who will perform an ancient pipe and water ceremony, and keynote speaker Nina Leopold Bradley, daughter of naturalist Aldo Leopold who authored A Sand County Almanac.
School children, community members, UW-Whitewater students and staff, project donors and others will also gather for the festivities at the prairie entrance located off Schwager Drive on the north side of campus. Chancellor Jack Miller and Vice Chancellor of Administrative Affairs James Freer will kick off the event.
A reception for those who have donated to the restoration project will precede the dedication in Esker Hall from 12:15 - 1:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The dedication ceremony will take place from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Guided tours of the prairie will be available afterwards.
The dedication marks the success of those committed to the prairie reconstruction project in the 110-acre UW-Whitewater Nature Preserve over the past four years. To date, six acres of prairie have been cleared and planted with over 150 species of wildflowers and native grasses. Each year, more land is prepared with the ultimate goal of 50 acres representing five types of prairie indigenous to Southeastern Wisconsin.
“We believe this prairie will have multiple purposes, including enjoyment and study for all ages – especially students,” said project coordinator Richard James.
For more information, view the prairie Web site at www.uww.edu/advancement/prairie/index.html
- Jane Provorse ,provorsj@uww.edu
