2017 | Valley Stewardship Network, Kickapoo River Watershed

Contact

Project Lead: Valley Stewardship Network

Contact: Shelly Gradwell-Brenneman

Email: shelly@valleystewardshipnetwork.org

Project

The STRIPS Effect
Demonstrating the Power of Prairie to Improve Water Quality and Biodiversity in Wisconsin 

 

Building on the success of earlier Fishers & Farmers-funded work in the Kickapoo River Watershed, Valley Stewardship Network (VSN) and partners have expanded their efforts to integrate native prairie into working farms across Southwest Wisconsin. This project marks a major milestone: the creation of the first farmer-led demonstration sites in the state using the Iowa State University STRIPS (Science-based Trials of Row Crops Integrated with Prairie Strips) model. 

Originally planned as a three-site initiative, the project grew to 14 demonstration sites thanks to increased matching funds and strong landowner interest. These sites now serve as living examples of how prairie integration can reduce erosion, improve fish habitat, and support biodiversity—while remaining economically viable for farmers. 

  

Project Goals and Approach 

The primary goal was to adapt and implement the STRIPS model in Wisconsin’s unique cold-water fishery landscape to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff, stabilize streambanks, and enhance habitat for fish, pollinators, and wildlife. The project also aimed to foster farmer-to-farmer education and build a foundation for watershed-based landowner groups. 

Key methods included: 

• Establishing prairie STRIPS on cropland and riparian areas through site preparation, seeding, and ongoing management. 

• Monitoring soil, water, and habitat conditions before and after installation using VSN’s low-cost protocols. 

• Hosting field days and workshops to share results and promote adoption. 

• Creating educational materials including articles, posters, and technical publications. 

• Partnering with The Prairie Enthusiasts to provide landowner-to-landowner mentoring. 

 

Key Results and Impact 

• 14 demonstration sites established across the Kickapoo and adjoining watersheds, including: 

• • 5 STRIPS sites

• • 4 streambank stabilization sites

• • 3 pollinator habitat sites

• • 2 warm season forage grazing sites

• 29.4 acres of prairie planted, improving 2.5 miles of streambank, protecting 15+ riparian acres, and enhancing 1,400+ upland crop/pasture acres. 

• 278+ acres of row crop fields directly serviced by prairie STRIPS, with broader watershed benefits. 

• Two sites now protected by perpetual conservation easements. 

 

These STRIPS have demonstrated dramatic improvements in water quality and biodiversity, consistent with Iowa research: 

• 95% reduction in sediment transport 

• 90% reduction in phosphorus 

• 84% reduction in nitrogen 

• 40% reduction in surface water flow 

• Increased native plant diversity, bird species, and pollinators 

 

Expanding Conservation Culture 

This project has not only improved land and water but also strengthened community conservation leadership. VSN worked closely with the Tainter Creek Farmer-led Watershed Council and the West Fork Watershed Neighbors Council, hosting multiple field days and meetings to share results and inspire action. Custom seed mixes were developed to address site-specific challenges, such as angler access and streamside plant height. 

Through this expanded effort, Fishers & Farmers funding has catalyzed a scalable, farmer-led model for integrating prairie into agriculture—one that improves water quality, supports fish and wildlife, and builds a resilient conservation ethic across the region.