The Prairie Swale

The Prairie Swale is the result of an effort that began in 2000 to transform a potential detraction to the landscape, a simple concrete storm water spillway, into an ecologically diverse seven-acre prairie restoration. The swale detains and cleans storm water and enhances infiltration, fulfilling regional storm water detention capable of handling a 100-year rain event, while the prairie provides a natural and ever-changing source of beauty. Home to native Wisconsin prairie wildflowers and grasses, the natural character of this storm water management area has become a source of community interaction with nature. Students, residents, employees and children are regular visitors to the trails that surround and mingle within the Prairie Swale, as are deer, heron, cranes, ducks, amphibians, butterflies, and other fauna.