About this Property
Carity Prairie, covering 23 acres, was the first land acquisition of Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy. During the development of the Prairie Grass Preserve subdivision in Franklin, MALC partnered with developer Bill Carity to preserve a rare prairie remnant discovered at the site, one of the last known examples of virgin (unplowed) prairie in the highly populated Milwaukee County. MALC’s plans for the site included preservation of the prairie and the restoration of a sedge meadow complex. This unique collaboration earned the subdivision a spot in the 2005 Parade of Homes.
The site has been recognized in the Natural Areas report of the Southeastern Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) as a Critical Species Habitat Area, where it is known as the Shooting Star Prairie and Shrubland. MALC conducts intensive management of the prairie, consisting primarily of invasive species control and prescribed fires.
Carity Prairie stands out not only for its rare remnant quality but also because it’s a rare developer who sees the wisdom of making a land donation to preserve that land for future generations. Another developer might have easily destroyed this ecological jewel in favor of a few more home sites. Our hope is that the land ethic developed by the famous Wisconsin conservationist, Aldo Leopold, and evidenced by Bill Carity’s generosity, will serve as a model to other land developers in the region.
To visit Carity Prairie, park on Prairie Grass Way, Franklin, then walk the mowed path between the subdivision and the preserve. The path leads past a created pond and through a portion of the preserve, ending at the boundary with an adjoining farm field. Additional access is anticipated as restoration proceeds.
