February 2021
In recent conversations with the Town of Middleton (TOM), initial talk has begun about potential spring and summer restoration activities at the Conservancy. These projects typically involve FOPFC volunteers. We’ll be discussing this in more detail at the Parks Commission meeting on February 10. Stay tuned for the details which should be available by mid-March or early April.
Speaking of the TOM, here is a win-win worth sharing. Several months ago, the Town was considering adding another prairie at the Pope Farm Conservancy, specifically in the area that was once the ten-acre sunflower field. At that time, the FOPFC Board outlined and advocated for a viable, cost effective alternative for the TOM’s consideration that focused on maintaining this area as an agricultural field. Several key benefits and pluses were offered including;
- The opportunity for school lesson planning on agricultural production now that the Elementary School is open and the Conservancy is being built into the curriculum.
- Maintaining the originally intended balance of agriculture and prairie per the 2004 Master Plan for the property.
- Preserving the amazing viewing shed of this area.
- Preserving the lessons of the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) spillway which was built in 1938 and has been used as a teaching tool by the UW for over 50 years.
- Responsibly manage costs since prairie restoration costs are going up annually.
As part of our communication with the TOM, we suggested alfalfa be planted in this area instead and that it be harvested in late summer. Likewise, several advantages to an alfalfa crop were cited such as;
- Increasing the birding population and species as well as enhance the protection and completion of their life cycles.
- Alfalfa crops require little chemical usage.
- Mitigation of erosion.
We are pleased to report that TOM recently agreed with the Friends proposal of having the field planted into alfalfa for a period of several years. They have also agreed delaying harvesting of this crop until after August 1st to allow birds nesting there the opportunity to do so successfully.
Winter Information Reminder
Pope Farm Conservancy is open from sunrise to sunset year-round. The Blackhawk Parking lot off Blackhawk Road is typically closed through the winter months, so we recommend parking in the lower parking area off Old Sauk Road.
NOTE: If this lot is full, it is permissible to part in the Pope Farm Elementary School parking lot when school is not in session.
Like the groundhog says, wake up, stretch! Come out and play! Winter activities in the Conservancy include snow shoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, and sledding. If the trails are groomed, please walk off to the side of them trial so they remain intact for the cross-country skiers.