GAYS MILLS — Summer means prairies are in full bloom. Join Melinda Knutson, a Prairie Enthusiast expert, to see and learn about some of the native plants in a restored remnant prairie. The Southwest Wisconsin Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts invites everyone to participate in a walking tour of Iris Drive Prairie at 10 a.m. on July 19. This ten acre remnant prairie has been managed by volunteers since 2012. New species are blooming every day, and it’s a colorful time to walk the trail and learn about the plants. 

Attendees may learn a few tricks for identifying prairie (native) plants in their back yard. It is recommended to load a free plant identification app onto a cellular phone such as ‘Seek’ by iNaturalist prior to the walk. This will enhance the experience and give a record of plants of interest for future reference.

The Iris Drive free event will take place at 18663 West River Road, Gays Mills, Wis. 54631. Wis. 131 is under construction, and it is recommended to follow Wis. 61 to the east or Wis. 27 to the west as alternate access to the area. The Iris Drive address on West River Road is a few hundred feet south of the intersection with Iris Drive. The prairie is about 1,000 feet west down on Iris Drive. Watch for “Event” signs and park off the road.

This tour is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. There is some incline but it is not extremely steep. No registration required. There are no restroom facilities at the prairie. Contact info@theprairieenthusiasts.org or call 608-676-0985.

The Prairie Enthusiasts seek to ensure the perpetuation and recovery of prairie, oak savanna and other ecosystems of the Upper Midwest through protection, management, restoration & education. Further information at www.

theprairieenthusiasts.org.