Stone Prairie Farm

Property Profile

Acreage: 80

Date protected: 2018

Location: 9 mi SW of Brodhead, WI

Ownership: Privately owned

Recreation: No public recreation

Land Use: Formal and informal education, conservation and restoration

Once used for farm crop and dairy production, restoration of farm fields to wetland, prairie, and oak savanna have prospered and now serve as habitat for several hundred native plant species. 60 nesting bird species, badgers, turkey and white tailed deer can be found on the property. Groundwater recharge and the many springs found on the land feed a headwater cold water stream filled with Stickleback, Dace and other cold water fish species. 

Grassland and shrubland birds are diverse and abundant. Over 35 species of butterfly are commonly observable and over a dozen species of dragonflies are also common. Restoration of forest, savanna and wetland vegetation occurs using prescribed burning and targeted invasive species management.

Though the conservation easement with SWLC was finalized in 2018, the owners of Stone Prairie farm have been lovingly restoring the property since 1981 – eloquently documenting their 40+ year restoration journey in the critically-acclaimed book, “Nature’s Second Chance”. Written by SWLC Board President and ecologist, Steve Apfelbaum, the book highlights the beautiful connection that forms throughout the restoration process between landowner and land, and the profound positive impact humans can have on the planet.