Sunflowers Afield

Three years ago I noticed several posts on Facebook about a Sunflower Festival taking place near Middleton, WI.  I was intrigued. But by the time I remembered to look it up, I was too late. The festival had passed, and the sunflowers were beyond their peak. The following year I made a point to add the event to my calendar so I wouldn't miss it.  It was definitely worth saving the date!  

Pope Farm Conservancy is 105 acres that sit on top of three recessional moraines in the Town of Middleton, Wisconsin, where three different watersheds come together.  In addition to six prairie restoration projects, a Native American garden, eight miles of walking trails, and numerous picnic areas, late summer brings Sunflower Days, with 9 acres of blooming sunflowers (roughly 500,000) beneath bright summer skies. 

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The conservancy is worth a visit any day - it's open daily, sunrise to sunset. But 9 acres of peak sunflower blooms are a sight to see.  And, so, Sunflower Days is held each summer season during peak bloom.  

People come from near and far to witness this sunflower show.  Birds come for the seeds.  Last year I saw several Indigo Buntings darting in and out of the fields. Many different grassland birds frequent the conservancy as well.

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This year peak bloom is anticipated for mid-August. Sunflower Days will be held from August 12-20.  The event is free, but plan ahead - read up on the event, rules, parking details and more at the Pope Conservancy website.   You're also encouraged to visit their Facebook page for updates as the event gets closer.

Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the view, wear your hiking shoes and tackle the trails, or just come for the sensational sight of 500,000 sunflowers in bloom.  But bring your camera. You're gonna wanna get a picture of this.
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