NRF Field Trip #34

Friday, May 16th, 2025;

The various parcel owners of the former Badger Army Ammunition Plant conducted a guided tour of the property for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin tours. Around thirty participants enjoyed presentations by Verlyn Mueller - Archivist Badger History Group, Randy Poelma - Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Environmental Health, Mike Mossman - Ecologist & Badger History Group President, Melanie Tallmadge Sainz - Founding Director of the Little Eagle Arts Foundation & Visual Artist, Nancy Frost - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Management Southern District Biologist, Dr. Alison Duff - USDA - Agricultural Research Service - Dairy Forage Research Center, Dr. Curt Meine - Badger Apple Corps - Conservation Biologist, Historian, & Writer, and Ron E. Lutz II - Executive Director, Sauk Prairie Conservation Alliance.

Participants began at the Museum of Badger Army Ammunition where they learned the history of not only the plant itself, but also of the native population. Both were stories of forced removal of both tribal and farming communities. They learned of the tremendous effort it has taken to turn a landscape that was home to one of the largest cogs of our nation’s arms industry into a place of environmental, and cultural healing. Each tour leader offered insight into their efforts at restoring this wounded, and somewhat tainted landscape.

The overarching message wasn’t about the painful past, the toxic legacy left behind, or the frustrations over the lack of financial/strategic support from certain corners. Instead they spoke of hope, efforts, and plans of future improvements to the environment. The healing of the ancient Sauk Prairie seems like a very long shot, but after listening to these speakers it seems achievable.