Just Southeast of Hazel Green, WI is the diverse Hardscrabble Prairie. Named after the original name of the village to be Hazel Green, it is a 140 acre tract. Composed of woodlands, intermittent streams and some oak openings it is the dry prairies that are in the greatest condition and are most notable.
At this natural area you can view the habitat that harbors the globally rare Ottoe Skipper Butterfly along with several rare birds and plants. The fact that one of the dry prairies is located on a North facing slope makes this natural area most interesting. Dry prairie plant communities are usually found on South and West facing slopes as the soil can dry faster and soil tempetures tend to remain at higher degrees.
This prairie is Wisconsin State Natural Area #322 and was officially dedicated in 1997. It is a great representation of dry prairies in the driftless area and makes for a great wildlife watching opportunity.
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/sna/sna322.htm Detailed info and directions
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