No bugs!
Probably because we have had a relatively dry summer, trail hiking has never been as enjoyable as this year. Although a magnet for mosquitoes, I have not had a single bite, though I walk four to five times a week. Not long, not fast, but plodding right along.
My wife and I had a special treat Saturday while walking the trails at the base of Fox Hill, just off County Z.
The native plants in the prairie were in splendid bloom, a treat as we emerged from the shaded woodland. “I have never seen this prairie so stunning and diverse with so many plants in bloom at once,” said Kine as she shot photos of the array. An explosion of purple blazing star, mixed with rattlesnake master, sunflowers, purple coneflowers, compass plants, black-eyed Susans, Joe-Pye weed, a few remaining penstemons and tall Indian plantain (pictured left).
I try to remember the names of the native flowers, so I can qualify as a “SAM” – Sensitive American Male. Chicks dig SAMs.
There were plenty of insects buzzing around, but they were too busy feeding to be interested in me.
The prairie was planted a couple decades ago by Randy Powers of Prairie Future Seed Co. Volunteers from Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation (CLCF) have maintained it since, including several burns.
That plot, about two acres, has always been pretty. But this year it’s in its full maturity and splendor.
Also in full bloom Saturday were lots of bee balm, fleabane and yarrow.
Cluster of bee balm
The marsh marigolds, bloodroot, golden Alexander and wild geraniums have gone back to sleep until next spring.
CLCF maintains the trail system around Fox Hill through the rigorous efforts of Jerry Gensch. He also grooms the trails for cross country skiing daily; his tracks are better than most other ski places in the state.
The prairie of wildflowers is home to all kinds of life; butterflies, other varieties of insects, many bird species and ground-based critters. The right habitat makes them feel right at home.
You have to love living in a county that abounds with wildlife. On the way to and from the flower display, we saw two sandhill cranes, two young bucks in velvet and a pair of turkeys with five poults scampering behind.
Swath of blazing star
Of note, the Fox Hill trails are newly integrated with the Ice Age Trail, which recently designated as a National Scenic Trail. Volunteer workers from the Ice Age Trail Alliance cleaned up and marked the trail with their familiar yellow blazes. It’s a cliché, but the through-hikers are going to think they died and went to a little piece of heaven when they see all the color.
Still coming to bloom this season in their timely fashion, with buds already formed, will be stiff golden rod, New England asters, cardinal flowers and stiff and fringed gentians.
Don’t miss the colorful show. Take a bug-light hike and enjoy. There are several parking spaces off Cty. Z opposite the Timmer’s Resort sign.
Every once in a while you experience a business plan that is highly original. Such is the case of Firehouse Subs.
In addition to its excellent sub sandwiches, the quick service restaurant chain encourages its customers to make donations for needed equipment at fire stations in their market areas. They ask customers if they want to round up or donate into pickle buckets. The collected funds get distributed to local first responders and public safety organizations.
In West Bend alone, the franchise, owned by Sharon Erickson, has given $20,000 since opening in 2018 to the West Bend Fire Department.
Its donations purchase equipment, such as for extractors for smashed vehicles, automated defibrillators, fire and rescue chain saws and water rescue life vests.
The interior of the restaurant is decorated with a variety of fire-fighting apparel and gear.
Their motto is “SERVING SUBS, SAVING LIVES.”
Online donations are optional at www.Firehousesubsfoundation.org.
The Firehouse business model fits well in a community that is currently investing in a new firehouse that will be in operation in 2027.
Adding to the community’s enthusiasm and support for effective rescue and firefighting services is the pending remodel of the old fire station at Washington and 7th Streets. Thanks to community donors it will become a museum containing a trove of historic firefighting gear and equipment, donated from the collection of the Franz family in the Town of Polk.
