"When we see land as a
community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and
respect."
Aldo Leopold
(1886 - 1948) American Forester
Events
MacGregor Spring Flowers and Bird Hike **Cancelled due to weather** Rescheduled for June 14th
When: May 3rd from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Rescheduled from April 19th)
Join us for a hike
through the beautiful and diverse MacGregor property in the Snow Bottom
State Natural Area of Grant County, WI. We’ll be searching for spring
flowers like the delicate “Dutchmen’s Breeches,” and keeping an eye open
for bright flashes of orange from “Baltimore Orioles.” Whether you like
wildflowers or birds, forests or prairies, this hike will have something
for everyone.
Easy, flat trails are available for people wishing to stroll leisurely,
while others may choose more challenging routes that wind up and down
the bluffs. Explore
a remote ravine with a spring and small waterfall if you wish. Bring a
picnic lunch and something to share if possible so after our hike we can
linger over a meal with old and new friends and continue to enjoy this
special place.
MVC’s Conservation Director, George Howe will be your host along with
Helen and David MacGregor who have invited us to enjoy their fabulous
land for a day.
Directions to the MacGregors:
From Boscobel, WI, head south on Hwy 61 towards Fennimore; turn left to
head east on County Road T. Where County Road T meets County Road M,
head to the right (east) on County Road M. At the ‘T’ intersection, turn
right to head south on County Road G. Take the second left (the second
driveway) after Neff Road, at 16316 CTH G, Muscoda, WI 53573 and proceed
for approximately one mile on access road to the cabin.
To register, please email Marghie at mrich@MississippiValleyConservancy.org. Carpooling will be available, please let Marghie know if you're interested.
Night Hike & Star Gazing
When: Friday, May 9th beginning at 7:30 p.m. until approximately 10 p.m.
Where: St. Joseph Villa, St. Joseph, WI
Mississippi Valley
Conservancy, in partnership with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual
Adoration and the
La Crosse Astrological Society are pleased to offer MVC’s
first ever Night Hike and Star Gazing event on Friday May 9th.
Come join us and take a sunset tour of the St. Joseph Villa property where we will look for crepuscular (active during twilight) animals and a wide assortment of wild plants including the world-famous clustered poppy-mallow. Afterwards we will join our friend with the La Crosse Astronomical Society to watch the setting moon and numerous constellations and planets in the spring night sky.
Bring layered clothing, long paints and insect repellent. Telescopes will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you wish. Also, we may set up a modest bonfire so bring folding chairs and marshmallows if you would like to sit around and enjoy the peace and quite of a nice spring night.
Directions: From La Crosse, take State Road/Highway 33 East to the town of St. Joseph. Park in the St. Joseph Church Parking lot. (second entrance on the North side of the street – across the street form the church)Walk past the main building toward the Quonset hut.
To register, please email Marghie at mrich@MississippiValleyConservancy.org.
Devil's Backbone Preserve
When: May 24th
beginning at 10 a.m.
Join us for the unveiling of our newest Grant County preserve & State
Natural Area, Devil’s Backbone. Named for its rugged topography and striking
rock cliffs and outcrops, this extremely steep climb is rewarded with a
spectacular view of the Mississippi River Valley from the ridgetop. Hike the
ridgetop of this 28-acre bluff to view the wealth of Shooting Stars blooming
on the ridge. Learn to identify early spring wildflowers, such as spring
beauty, wood phlox, wild geranium, anemones, and buttercups! If time
allows, we’ll be able to check out the cold-water trout stream, Chase Creek
and scout for woodland birds and butterflies.
Optional extra info: This property is in the heart of the “Cassville to Bagley Bluffs” area described in the Wisconsin Land Legacy Report, where it received 5 out of 5 points on a score of conservation significance.
Trip leader: MVC’s Conservation Specialist, Abbie Meyer
Difficulty: Strenuous hike
Extras to bring: camera, drinking water, bug spray, WEAR LONG PANTS and
CLOSE-TOED SHOES.
Directions: From Bagley, WI, head south on County Road A. Take a left to
head east onto Dugway road & drive about 2 miles to the MVC signs along the
road. If you come to a prominent rock overhang, you’ve gone too far. Park
alongside Dugway Road. Parking area is limited – please register & ask
about carpooling opportunities!
To register, please email Marghie at mrich@MississippiValleyConservancy.org.
Holland Sand Prairie Tour
When: June 7th,
beginning at 10 a.m.
More details to come.
New Amsterdam Grasslands - Birding Hike
When: July 12th &
13th (Limit of 12 participants each day.) 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
More details to come.
Miller Bluff Hike
When: August 16th,
beginning at 10 a.m.
More details to come.
Sugar Creek Bluff Hike
When: September
13th, beginning at 10 a.m.
More details to come.
La Crosse River Conservancy Hike
When: October 11th,
beginning at 10 a.m.
More details to come.
Workdays
Check back soon!
If outdoor physical labor isn’t so much your thing – or you’re looking for a little warmer location, please contact Mississippi Valley Conservancy's Office Manager Marghie Rich about helping out in our office.
Send email to
webmaster with
comments or questions.