Barneveld Prairie – Thomas Pasture Tract

The Thomas Pasture is one of two units of The Nature Conservancy’s Barneveld Prairie Preserve. It is a remnant of the once extensive tallgrass prairies found in southern Wisconsin before European settlement. This former pasture on unplowed sod has few trails. It includes prairies on steep slopes and ridgetops, a wet meadow in the creek bottom, and a former hayfield. Look for Savannah and Henslow’s Sparrows and bobolinks in the more lush grass, and for Grasshopper and Field Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlark and Bell’s Vireo in the dryer sites on the property.

Directions: From Barneveld, travel west 1.5 miles on Hwy 18/151 to Cty T, then south .75 mile on Cty T, look for The Nature Conservancy sign. Park on the east side of Cty T near the sign. Walk east to the kiosk to enter the prairie.

Gazetteer: Page 35, D-4 (prior to 10th edition). | Page 84, F-4 (10th edition).

Phone: 608/251-8140 (The Nature Conservancy of Wisconsin).

Web site:WDNR Barneveld Prarie State Natural Area | The Nature Conservancy - Barneveld Prairie

Signature Species: Grasshopper, Field, Savannah and Henslow’s Sparrow.

Rare species: Bell’s Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat, Upland Sandpiper and Regal Fritillary butterfly.

Parking: Parking area.

Nearest Food & Lodging: Barneveld or Dodgeville.