Indian Lake County Park recently expanded to include approximately 300 acres along Indian Trail Road.  The property is a mix of gently rolling uplands, woodland, and cropped fields. A property plan is currently underway for the park to identify long-term recommendations for park development and land management.

The planning process identified a desire to maintain agriculture within part of the park but also provide prairie habitat. One way to maintain this dual use is to implement a conservation practice called “prairie strips”. The strips use the deep roots of native prairie plants in an agricultural setting to help reduce nutrient losses to water bodies, infiltrate water, and minimize soil runoff during rain events. In addition, prairie strips provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

Dane County is partnering with Sand County Foundation to develop a plan for prairie strip implementation on existing agricultural fields south of Indian Trail Road as a demonstration site. Educational signage will also be developed.