Prairie gardening with native North American wild flowers, grasses, and sedges is part of a movement, returning lawns back into important prairie and prairie-like ecosystems. Prairie landscapes are natural to Midwestern regions of North America, but very little original prairie remains today.
The New England aster, golden rod, and other native plants and grasses are the fabric of an original Wisconsin ecosystem. These endangered prairie landscapes adapt to our temperate climate, require less maintenance and watering, and support a myriad of animals and insects. The longer roots of prairie plants provide improved, slow rate water infiltration. Prairies provide balance to our fragile environment, benefiting us all.
UWM Prairies
Monarch Conservancy
As part of the UWM’s Innovation Campus development, 11 acres were set aside as prairie for a natural resting area, providing food and shelter for the large influxes of monarch butterflies.
Downer Prairie
Located east of the Klotsche Pavilion, this is the largest prairie on campus featuring coneflower, grasses, and blazing stars. It is also the only prairie on campus that has experienced recent prairie burns. However, the urban environment is not conducive to this management method, so regular mowing replaces prairie fires on campus.
Lapham Hall Pollinator Garden
Located along Maryland Avenue, this prominent pollinator garden was intentionally designed to feature approximately tow dozen native prairie plants, ensuring that flowers are in bloom from April to October. Students and volunteers planted the garden in 2023, and volunteers actively maintain the space alongside the Office of Sustainability, though our signature Pollinator Protectors volunteer program. You can register for upcoming volunteer sessions here.