York Prairie is composed of three dry-mesic prairie remnants along with cliffs and springs in northwestern Green County, west of New Glarus.  A grassy parking area is available at the middle of three parcels off of York Valley Road.

During my two visits to York Prairie, I explored the middle parcel fairly completely.  In late June, false sunflowers, black-eyed susans, and hawkweeds were the forbs du jour.  Unfortunately, invasive species were quite abundant including ox-eye daisies, deptford pink, and red clover.  The terrain is rolling and quite picturesque as the lines of one hill cross those of another.  Restoration efforts at this site have been occurring recent years which should lead to a higher quality prairie.  I returned some years later and in early September to find the vibrant greens replaced by browns and yellows.  Asters and goldenrods were common, along with false boneset.  Stiff gentian provided purplish accents to the praire on this day.  I feel that I have not caught this praire at its peak or peaks and so I plan to return several more times, perhaps in May and July.  Visits to the eastern and western parcels are also in order.

More of my photos (and full-res) from York Prairie can be viewed here.

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