Wetland – 2025 | Prairie Haven

[To see stories and photos from other years, see the links on the main Wetland page.]

The two biggest projects in the wetland this year – besides the annual parsnip pulling – were monitoring our recent plantings, and mowing some areas with encroaching willows.

In fall and winter of 2023/2024 we sprayed and then planted wetland seeds in Farmhouse Meadow (below the old farmhouse), Maze Meadow (the old field at the eastern end of the wetland), and Crown-vetch Meadow (at the western end of the wetland). So this year was their second summer. Many flowers bloomed, but weeds are still a problem in all 3 places. Mike mowed areas that had the thickest Wild Parsnip and Queen Anne’s Lace, and I pulled most of the rest of the parsnip. Mike also mowed the thickest Reed Canary Grass spots, and this fall I threw out seeds of Swamp Betony and more wetland plants to see if we can discourage the RCG.

In late summer we cut and mowed other parts of the wetland where there were thick growths of willows. We used to have beavers that would cut and carry away the willows, but in the last few years the beavers have moved upstream, so the downstream willows are flourishing. We decided that the mower could act like a giant, very efficient beaver. We hope the beavers will return – there are plenty of willows left for them. After the snow came, we planted wetland seeds here.

I found one plant that’s new for the farm: Rough Avens.

1/29/2025 The wet edge of Crown Vetch Meadow

2/9/2025 Wetland west of the driveway, looking north to Pine Point

2/9/2025 Wet prairie with sedge meadow running through the middle. East of the driveway, looking northeast to Sumac Bluff

2/26/2025 Wet end of Crown Vetch Meadow

4/27/2025 One of our largest willows. One of my goals for this year is to learn which species of willows we have. I know some, but not all of them. This is one I’m not sure about.

4/30/2025 The wet end of Crown Vetch Meadow beginning to green up.

5/25/2025 Looking down at the creek at the eastern edge of our wetland.

6/4/2025 Sedge meadow

6/4/2025 Sedge meadow with willows, sedges and Marsh Marigolds.

6/4/2025 The creek

6/4/2025 This is one of the small streams where spring water flows down to the creek. These streams are very deep and well hidden by vegetation, so it’s easy to fall in.

6/10/2025 The lower end of Farmhouse Meadow. This has been seeded at least twice, and it’s doing very well. The flowers blooming here are mostly Golden Alexanders.

6/12/2025 Rough Avens – a new species for the farm – in Bluebird Meadow

6/12/2025 Crown Vetch Meadow after mowing weeds and Reed Canary Grass. Golden Alexanders and Canada Anemone are blooming in the wet spot at the left edge of the photo.

6/13/2025 Glade Mallow leaves

6/13/2025 Blue Flag Iris

6/15/2025 The top of Farmhouse Meadow – in the middle of the parts of the old buildings that are still standing.

6/24/2025 Marcie just crossing the creek to pull Wild Parsnip in No Bridge Meadow

6/26/2025 No Bridge Meadow – the northern edge with Wild Parsnip and other weeds.

6/27/2025 South end of Farmhouse Meadow with Oxeye blooming

6/29/2025 These wetland meadows have lots of weeds, but they also have natives. There’s almost always Common Milkweed, and this also has thick patch of Snowy Campion – considered ‘threatened’ in Wisconsin – not blooming yet.