Why a Prairie?
At Redeemer UCC we embrace our calling to be good stewards of the land. At one time, Native Americans and early settlers saw much of Wisconsin and the mid-section of the United States covered with wildflowers and grasses. Most of this land was turned into farm fields to feed the growing nation. The prairie ecosystem disappeared.
Our Prairie and Sanctuary Garden provide an area with native flowers and grasses like those that covered this land in the early 18th century. These plants provide an abundance of food and shelter to insects, birds, and mammals. Prairie plants have deep-reaching roots that enrich the soil and return every year, thriving under all types of weather conditions without human intervention such as watering or fertilizer.
With over 50 types of wildflowers and grasses, our Prairie and Sanctuary Garden provide a beautiful display starting in April and lasting into Fall. The Prairie invites us to walk among the flowers, leave behind our daily stresses, enrich our spirits and enjoy what nature has provided for us.
All are welcome to visit our Prairie and Sanctuary Garden.
The prairie provides us with the following benefits
- Provides a beautiful environment to enhance our worship experience.
- Minimizes lawn mowing and the resulting pollution.
- All water from rain and snowfall remains on the property.
- Provides a haven for wildlife, with year-round food and shelter.
- Attracts a variety of birds, butterflies and other wildlife including turkeys, Sandhill cranes and deer. An abundance of Milkweed provides and ideal location for Monarch butterflies to lay their eggs.
- The mature prairie requires little maintenance and needs no watering.
- Deep roots of the plants enrich and stabilize the soil and provide erosion protection.
- The plants return every year and continue to disperse seeds that enhance the prairie.
Redeemer's Prairie has been designated an official Monarch Waystation
