Military reservation home to rare species

While it serves many miltary uses, Wisconsin’s Fort McCoy Military Reservation also provides a sanctuary for rare native plants.

A study of the fort’s rare vascular flora documents 89 locations of 14 rare species. Conducted by Mark Leach, Arboretum ecologist, the study was recently published by the Michigan Botanist.

Leach began searching for rare plants in 1991, when the Army contracted with the Nature Conservancy-Wisconsin Field Office. Located in Monroe County between Tomah and Sparta, Fort McCoy’s primary mission is to serve as a military training facility for more than 100,000 people annually.

“Despite this heavy use, the fort is a significant refuge for rare plants,” says Leach. He made some fascinating discoveries. For example, prairie fame flower, a rare plant species seldom found outside of the upper Midwest, thrives at the fort.

Leach also discovered seven upland species that grow in dry sandy and rocky prairies, oak and pine barrens, and on rocky slopes. He reported seven wetland species growing in moist sand, wet meadows, swamps, alder and poison sumac thickets, and along streams.

On Saturday, Nov. 9, 1-4 p.m., Leach will be discussing “The Rare Plants of Fort McCoy” at the Arboretum. Cost: $6. Registration required: 263-7888.