ORFORDVILLE — In December 2023, the Southern Wisconsin Land Conservancy (SWLC) was approached by the Aulabaugh family about becoming the new owners and land stewards for the local nature reserve of Sunny Peace Prairie. Back in 2004, the Aulabaugh Family embarked on rescuing the 75 acre property that would one day become Sunny Peace Prairie. The property was slated to become a quarry for a mining group, but the Aulabaugh family had different plans — a nature reserve for all to enjoy and find peace in nature at.
Over the last two decades the Aulabaugh’s have embraced conservation and worked to restore the land back to its natural state. Dedicated to their yellow labrador, Sunny, today it stands as a public prairie for the community to visit and experience the restorative effects of nature. It features approximately 42 acres of dry prairie restoration, 10 acres of woods and around 23 acres of cropland.
The property has undergone significant ecological restoration and was protected under a conservation easement in 2018. This ensures that it will never be able to be developed into anything other than a natural space.
SWLC plans to continue restoration efforts on the property, keep it open to the public, and to expand educational programming onsite. The Prairie and its structures will begin to serve as a location for collaborative events for several other conservation organizations, including SWLC, the Lower Sugar River Watershed Association, the Applied Ecological Institute and the Lower Sugar River Field Station.
As an organization, SWLC is excited to be involved in stewarding a second local nature reserve.
“We are honored to accept this extraordinary gift of restored and working land from Norm and Carol, and to carry on their legacy of land stewardship and sharing the land with their community as they envision,” said Susan Lehnhardt, SWLC Secretary and Ecologist. “This opportunity to further enrich a community through safe access to nature is paramount to our mission.”
The Southern Wisconsin Land Conservancy held a meet and greet at the Sunny Peace Prairie on Saturday, Oct.12.
To learn more about SWLC, its vision and future plans for Sunny Peace Prairie, visit www.swconservancy.org. Sunny Peace Prairie is located at 2604 S Coon Island Road, Orfordville, WI 53576.
At www.swconservancy.org, check out the property’s profile under the protected lands page or visit the public events calendar.
