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In 1942, the land that the Ho-Chunk Nation call Maa Wákąčąk (pronounced Mah WAH-kun-chunk), or “the Sacred Earth,” became the Badger Army Ammunition Plant, the largest ammunition facility owned and used by the US military in the world. Beginning in the late 1990s, the plant was decommissioned, torn down, and land eventually divided up among tribal, federal, state, and local entities. Approximately 1,500 acres of that land was returned to the Ho-Chunk Nation.
Earth, Sky, Water art installation created by Ho-Chunk families with Melanie Tallmadge of Little Eagle Arts Foundation. The installation at Maa Wákąčąk. Photo by Curt Meine
Before, during, and after the time Badger Ammo was operational, this land has been considered one of the most sacred places to the Ho-Chunk people, located in close proximity to Tee Wákąčąk, or Sacred Lake (popularly known as Devil’s Lake). The Nation has done extensive restoration work on the land, bringing back native plant and animal communities, with more plans in the works. On this field trip, we will learn more about conservation projects underway, explore the large restored areas, and enjoy the sights and sounds of summer at Maa Wákąčąk.
This field trip will involve two parts:
Join in a small reading group. Prior to the trip, registrants will be provided with a short reading/viewing list, and are invited join Curt Meine, Mike Mossman, and Becky Abel in a discussion on June 5, 2023 at 6:30pm at the Middleton Public Library or online. This reading group is offered to encourage our shared understanding of the Ho-Chunk Nation’s history, present, and future on the land in this area and their displacement by white settlers, and create opportunities for deeper questions and thoughts on the field trip.
Field trip on June 8, with Ho-Chunk Environmental Sciences Program Manager Randy Poelma, UW-Madison adjunct faculty Curt Meine, retired DNR ecologist Mike Mossman, and entomologist/teacher Angus Mossman.
FIELD TRIP LEADERS: Randy Poelma, Curt Meine, Mike Mossman, Angus Mossman. Contact Brenna Marsicek with questions (bmarsicek@madisonaudubon.org or 608-255-2473)
ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES:
This is an inclusive field trip and folks with no birding experience are welcome!
Trail grade and #/type of trail impediments are ok for those with difficulty walking or wearing children in packs
Field trip leader is adept at birding by ear and willing to accommodate those with visual impairments
WHEELCHAIR USE: Want to use an all-terrain, outdoor wheelchair for this field trip? Access Ability Wisconsin offers them for free! To reserve a chair and trailer, visit their website. If you need help coordinating a wheelchair for this trip, please let us know (Brenna Marsicek, bmarsicek@madisonaudubon.org).
APPROXIMATE DISTANCE: 1-3 miles
RSVP REQUIRED? Yes. Participation is limited to 25 people.
Cover photo by Mike Mossman
