The Prairie Learning Center spans from the Lewis Nine-Springs E-Way across the prairies surrounding the Lussier Family Heritage Center and over to William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park. The prairie areas are in various stages of restoration including a 25-year old restored prairie and a much newer restoration project at the Lussier Family Heritage Center.
The Prairie Learning Center was established in 2017 as a partnership project between the Lussier Family Heritage Center, Dane County Parks, the Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area, and Madison Area Master Gardeners Association.
Madison Area Master Gardeners adopted the prairie at the Lussier Family Heritage Center as the location for their Signature Project. Their efforts have removed numerous invasive Species such as Buck Thorn, Honey Suckle, Wild Parsnip, and Reed Canary Grass. Dane County Park staff along with Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area volunteers regularly burn or mow the prairies as an invasive management strategy.
Experience native plants by using your five senses. Plants in this garden were selected for their bold scents, unique textures, and bright colors. The garden is split into three focal area: the Bumble Bee Scented Garden, the Monarch Tactile Garden, and the Hummingbird Color Garden. The goal of the garden is to spark visitors, especially children’s, curiosity to further explore and learn about nature.
We regularly put on learning opportunities for both adults and youth regarding invasive management, seed collection, and plant and animal identification. For upcoming events visit our event calendar.
Join Madison Area Master Gardeners and the Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area for bi-monthly work days in our prairie. Work days typically run on Fridays twice monthly from May-October from 9:00 a.m. - Noon. Contact Naturalist, Clare Carlson for more information.
