Republic landfill site draws bird watchers

A field adjacent to a Republic Services landfill in Racine County, Wisconsin, is drawing bird watchers and other nature enthusiasts after the grass in the meadow was allowed to grow into a prairie habitat.

An online article posted by the Journal-Times, based in Racine, says the 10-acre field is now drawing American kestrels, including three on a recent afternoon.

Appropriately enough, the landfill is called Kestrel Hawk Landfill. Other species spotted at the nature site include red-tailed hawks, Cooper’s hawks, goldfinches and bobolinks.

A trail through the park also allows visitors to see numerous prairie grass and plant species as well as seasonal butterfly species.

The natural area was created in 1994 as part of an agreement between the City of Racine and the landfill’s owners. A Republic Services district manager and a naturalist quoted in the article both say the area has thrived in 2016, however, since the grass is no longer cut down to the 1-inch level twice per year.

The duo says a best-case scenario will have the field adjacent to the classroom becoming a site for field trips for students learning about prairie habitats.