Celebrating Conservation and Music at Music on the Prairie

West Music ukulele activity

By the time Music on the Prairie started on Saturday at Belgum Grove, the humidity had dissipated, and the heat had lessened, making the weather just about perfect for this annual Bur Oak Land Trust event. All in all, conditions were ideal for hopping on a hay rack for tours of the Belgum Grove property, listening to music, eating and drinking, and even taking a quick ukulele lesson with staff members from West Music.

Vesta taco bar

To start things off, Vesta was on hand with tacos generous enough to satisfy the heftiest appetite. Root beer floats were a new offering this year thanks ice cream from Dane’s Dairy and donated root beer from Bruce Endris. The Rochester Ramblers kicked off the musical entertainment with a mix of folk, country, and pop tunes. They were followed by the rockabilly group HomeBrewed. During intermission, an array of bird houses were given away as door prizes, and musicians from West Music invited audience members to take a lesson on a ukulele using one of the instruments from their colorful selection.

Hayrack ride guided by Dan Black

While enjoying the food and entertainment is part of Music on the Prairie, the other attraction is the prairie itself. Property managers Dan Black and Wayne Petersen invited visitors to take a seat on the hay rack for tours.

Even though there has been less rainfall recently, Dirty Face Creek was high. At the first stop near the pond. Wayne described stream corridor mitigation work that is underway where the creek forms a u-shape. That configuration causes flooding, and in this case, washed out an area of the prairie. Work with the contractor should avert the problem. He pointed out another challenge, Reed canary grass, an invasive species that is widespread in the area. The pond, however, offers good fishing, particularly for bass and blue gill. It is also a great place to spot birds, especially during migration.

Rochester Ramblers on stage

“The Orchard” as Dan and Wayne refer to it, is the other stopping place on the tour where the Belgums, the property’s original owners, planted about 20 varieties of apple trees years ago. Only five or six trees remain. Dan pointed out an oak hickory remnant and mentioned that several oaks that are eight to ten inches in diameter are growing on the hill, indicating a reemergence of that species. Lon Drake, another Bur Oak Land Trust volunteer, has planted pawpaw trees in this area and appear to be doing well. The trees reach 18 to 22 feet. Pawpaws have a sweet fruit with a taste that some describe as “custardy.” The pawpaws are also a food source for the zebra swallowtail butterfly. Lon’s belief is that as the climate changes and the zebra swallowtail migrates north, this food source will be increasingly important.

Bur oak tree seen on tour

Dan pointed out that scout troupes love to camp and work on the Belgum Grove property. It offers a wholesome atmosphere and allows the scouts to focus on their projects. Bur Oak Land Trust is happy to work with similar groups who are interested in helping to further the Bur Oak Land Trust’s mission. The public is also free to fish in the pond but is reminded of size limits on fish that can be kept. As always, visitors are encouraged to respect the area and to leave it in good condition so others may enjoy it, too.

Music on the Prairie is a great time to gather together and celebrate community and conservation!

Photos taken by Bruce Drummond.