The Sunny Peace Prairie
A 75 Acre Prairie Dedicated to the Community
The Sunny Peace Prairie is a 75 acre plot of land donated to the Parkview School District by the Aulabaugh family. On this land is a conservation easement, held by the Groundswell Conservancy in Madison, Wisconsin that assures it will remain a prairie conservation preserve forever.
The property contains 10 acres of woods with the rest being cropland, 42 acres of which have been planted to a prairie cover. The restoration, begun two years ago, is expected to be complete in 2022. The restoration involves removing undesirable trees and shrubs from the woods, and planting most of the farm fields to a prairie grass, prairie wildflower cover. Some acres may remain in agricultural production.
Parkview anticipates the property to be used as an outdoor laboratory to support a variety of student learning experiences ranging from science, agriculture, physical education, and art; Recreational activities (non-motorized) in addition to trail hiking can include cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The conservation preserve is open to the public, and includes self-guided nature trails, a building for housing maintenance equipment, a parking area, an education pavilion where programs can be presented, a vault type restroom facility and an information kiosk to guide the public for using the property. The vision includes paths with benches where people can quietly contemplate nature. The vision includes an earthen peace dove mound. We hope that all will explore this land and use it to connect and find peace.
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