You are now part of the story of this land.

You are now part of the story of this land.. . , Welcome. Zoo siab txais tos. Bienvenido. Hinįkaragiwi., This 477-acre parkland is a nature preserve that offers scenic vistas, wildlife habitat, and trails for both hiking and biking. From 1944 until 2004, it was the site of a large quarry. Today, thanks to many preservation and restoration efforts, the native habitat is coming back., The variety of native plants and wildlife on this land serves our community by helping to prevent erosion and floods, pollinating our food crops, and storing carbon underground. Caring for this land is caring for future generations., Prairie plants and animals living here today , Hundreds of native plant and wildlife species make a prairie thrive. Below are a few examples of what you might see here., Stiff goldenrod grows in clumps and reaches a height of 1.5 to 2 feet. It provides food for butterflies and bees in late summer and fall. , American goldfinches feed on seeds and insects. They nest in midsummer, probably to ensure an adequate supply of seed to feed their young. , Monarch butterflies depend on milkweed for food and shelter during their transformative life cycle and annual migration to and from Mexico. , Photo credits: Stiff goldenrod, yellow coneflowers and monarch by Tom Rhorer; American goldfinch by William Peterson, Protected forever, with your help , . This property is protected through a partnership between the City of La Crosse and Mississippi Valley Conservancy. Please observe the rules and regulations specific to this property. , . Leave no trace of your visit. Carry out what you carry in. Avoid muddy trails, go back, not around. , . Contact La Crosse Parks and Recreation Department with questions or concerns, 608-789-7533. , . Learn more about wildlife habitat at www.MississippiValleyConservancy.org.