Summer at Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie State Natural Area

This summer promises to be a fine one at Black Earth Rettenmund Prairie. The great spring burns and the consistent June rainfall have combined to bring along outstanding floral displays. Although color should not be the main attraction of a fine prairie remnant, it certainly adds to the joy of a visit.

Note the complete absence of woody vegetation (compare with the photo below taken in the 1970s).

Kathie and I will be leading an evening field trip on Wednesday July 8, 2015 from 6:30-8:30 PM. Come join us!

An unusual display of Coreopsis palmata mixed in with Asclepias tubersosa and Amorpha canescens.

The South Unit in its full glory.

Cliff Germain photo from the 1970s, showing the early invasion of woody vegetation
on the Saddle area. Later this area would become even more heavily wooded.
It took numerous work parties by the Nature Conservancy and the
Prairie Enthusiasts to turn this prairie into what you see today.