North American Prairie Conference

Field Trip Information Summary


Wednesday, August 6, 2008



La Crosse River State Trail
Brief description of site and highlights of site (habitat, flora, fauna):
  • The La Crosse River State Trail has been developed from abandoned Chicago and Northwestern Railroad between Sparta and La Crosse.
  • This is an original sand prairie. Never plowed. Disturbed by building of Milwaukee Road in 1851 and Northwestern 1871-2.
  • Tallgrass prairie community with the expected large grasses: Big & Little Bluestem, Canada Wild Rye, Switchgrass, Prairie Cordgrass, a few other small species. Some Reed Canary. Some Kentucky Bluegrass. A few escapes from "Civilization."
  • A wide variety of Prairie forbs.  Prairie remnants, farmlands, trout streams, hardwood forests and wetlands are found along the trail.
  • Unusual species: Zizia aptera, Hudsonia tomentosa, Gentiana Saponaria.
  • Rare plants are Talinum rugospermum, Silene nivea, Gentiana flavida.
  • The terrain rolls a bit and there is very dry terrain and some pretty wet spots - with the expected flora.
  • Interesting fauna: Plains Pocket Gopher, Bullsnake, Hog-nosed Snake, Kestrel.
  • Packed limestone screenings provide a smooth riding surface. The bridges have planked floors and railings in place for riders safety.
  • A new bridge (1998) at Medary crosses an active rail line running parallel to the trail. This bridge connects the La Crosse River State Trail to the Great River State Trail.
  • State Trail Passes: Daily Fee $4.00 Annual Fee $15.00.  Bicyclists, age 16 and older, are required to carry trail passes.
  • Passes are not required for hikers.
Walking distance, rigor, potential hazards:
  • Round trip walking distance from bus: Expect to walk 2 miles, unload to load.
  • 21.5 mile La Crosse River State Trail. 
  • Approximately 101 miles of biking and hiking between Perrot State Park near Trempealeau and Reedsburg, Wis.
  • Potential hazards at site (steep or rough terrain, cliffs, snakes, insect pests, noxious plants): Wood ticks, deer ticks (Lyme disease). Plants: Parsnip, Cow-parsnip, Spotted Cowbane, Poison Ivy (only 2 patches in five miles.)
  • Rigor of field trip: Easy - nearly flat. Surface is crushed rock bike trail, packed hard.
Area of site (approximate acreage): 5 miles of RR right-of-way. It's long and narrow - but diverse.
Duration of field trip: one-half day
Access for charter bus loading/unloading/parking: Yes,  Village Park with parking lot.
Availability of drinking water, rest rooms, shade: Parking, restroom facilities and connection to Great River State Trail.
Rest room - available. Shade can be found, even some places on the trail.
General location (direction/distance from nearest town): About 2-1/2 miles either side of County Trunk "J" (Commercial St) in Rockland, WI. Beside the railroad tracks (Canadian Pacific RR today).

Exit #5 La Crosse (follow signs)
West on Hwy 16 (1.5 mi)
East (Left) on CTH B (.3 mi)
to La Crosse River State Trial
 
Distance from Winona, MN: About 50 miles.
Potential leader(s)/guide(s): Bob Lee