Hawthorn Hollow lies on a gently rolling moraine formed by the melting of the Laurentide Ice Sheet over 10,000 years ago. This glacial melting also formed the Pike River Watershed where Hawthorn Hollow is within. The South Branch of the Pike River divides the property in two—the west and the east side—and gives the property some steep topography with the river valley, uplands, and lowlands. This landscape provides many habitat types such as upland forest, floodplain forest, prairie, wetland, and river. More habitat types on a property can lead to greater biodiversity because it can support many types of plants, animals, and other organisms. We strive to improve the health of our ecosystems and biodiversity.

Much of the conservation work done at Hawthorn Hollow involves managing both non-native invasive species and aggressive native species. While invasive species are nonindigenous species that cause environmental harm when introduced to an ecosystem, almost all of our aggressive native species are plants that are no longer set back by fire that was once a critical component of our historic landscape. It is our historic landscape that we are trying to maintain as part of our natural heritage. Historic records and soils indicate that the uplands were likely prairie/savanna prior to European settlement and the Pike River floodplain was likely wet meadow and marsh.

Hydrology on the property has changed significantly over the last 200 years and it is unlikely that we can restore most of it to its historic state. This is particularly true for the channel of the Pike River and its floodplain. To improve the watershed we work with Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (RP WIN) on implementing projects identified the Pike River Watershed-Based Plan.

We also work with private landowners, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand rare species’ genetic biodiversity.

The Ecology Fund

Now Introducing – A New Way to Give

This initiative is designed to bolster our ongoing efforts to preserve our sanctuary’s unique and diverse ecosystems. This forever fund will directly support our ecologist and seasonal team. These professionals are at the forefront of our conservation efforts, working tirelessly to study, protect, and enhance the natural habitats that make Hawthorn Hollow a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary for nature lovers.
The success of our conservation and ecology efforts relies heavily on our community. Your donations won’t go unnoticed! Our team plans to keep this new hub updated on how your contributions made an impact, what projects we have going on, and some amazing snapshots of all the species that call The Hollow home.

PROJECTS AND FUNDERS

Prairie Restoration: Root-Pike WIN, Kenosha Community Foundation

Pollinator Project: SC Johnson Foundation

Swale Project: Fund for Lake Michigan (FFLM), WDNR

Ash Tree Removal: John C. Bock Foundation, Runzheimer Foundation, private donors

Wetland Restoration for Ravine Protection: FFLM, Great Lakes Commission, private donors

Invasive Species Management: Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium

Trail Maintenance & Management:  Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, Extreme Terrain Clean Trail Grant

Current Project: Wildlife Observation Blind & Wetland Education Station

 

And private donors.

VOLUNTEERS

Johnson Financial

Gateway Technical College

Amazon Fulfillment Center

Many other beloved volunteers