Introduction: Located on Pheasant Branch Road near Middleton and within sight of the North Mendota shoreline, Pheasant Branch Conservancy is an extraordinary natural resource area containing the cultural and ecological features that create a magical location. It provides water quality protection, extraordinary views of the peaceful wetlands below, and panoramic views of majestic Lake Mendota, and the Madison skyline. The area is a recreational asset providing regular access and destination for thousand of walkers, runners, cyclists and those who want a peaceful respite. Composed of over 500 acres, the Conservancy is a partnership between Dane County, the City of Middleton and the DNR. Native Americans were first to appreciate this site and they chose it for burial and ceremonial purposes. From the top of the landmark Frederick Hill located on the county property, one can see a variety of extremely valuable wetland communities fed by plentiful springs. These breathe life to the Conservancy, and include wildlife as well as wooded low land and oak woods and remnants of Native American habitation.
Natural Resources: The Conservancy's natural features are diverse and plentiful and comprise part of a much larger riparian ecosystem. The wetlands represent the endpoint of a large suburban and agricultural watershed. Containing several channels and fed by over 60,000 gallons of water per hour. The wetlands offer a pattern of habitat for birds, wildlife and other water related species. Significant species include the endangered Blanding's Turtle, as well as two small mammal species. A state endangered plant, the wall petunia, has been observed. Wild rice beds have been found in the center of the marsh, providing a valuable food source for waterfowl including Mallards, Blue Teal, Pintail Coots and Wood Ducks. The health of the marsh is greatly dependent on proper management of the upper reaches of the Pheasant Branch. Ecologically sensitive areas are found on the upper areas and the hill, including a dry Hill Prairie located on the south and west sides of the Knoll. Protection of this area is essential to maintain a healthy downstream system. Other prairie areas around the uplands have been restored by the County and Friends of Pheasant Branch. The Bock Forest located in the Conservancy adds significant woodland communities.
Cultural Resources: The area's story began approximately 12,000 years ago when great ice deposits receded and the water immediately created the Yahara Lakes basin and neighboring watercourses like Pheasant Branch. Humans began to occupy the exposed land soon thereafter to take advantage of plentiful wildlife as food sources. Some of those early settlers identified the area in their language as "turkey". Evidence of generally continuous habitation has been found. Conical Indian burial mounds dated between 500 and 1200 A.D. have been found in the Conservancy, including mounds along the crest of the Frederick Knoll. These are available for viewing and provide immeasurable cultural and historic value. A second group of effigy mounds from the hill have not been preserved due to years of farming.
There is evidence that in 1837, Indian Leader Chief Black Hawk and his followers, desperate for food, camped near the Pheasant Branch during his flight from the US Army toward the Wisconsin River. Soon afterward, early pioneers came to the area around 1840. The area was quickly included in the larger settlement called Middleton. Eventually as the population grew, nearby land owners farmed and developed the area causing erosion and other pollution issues. Beginning in the 1960s the City of Middleton, DNR and later Dane County took affirmative steps to preserve the conservancy and its original natural beauty.
There is evidence that in 1837, Indian Leader Chief Black Hawk and his followers, desperate for food, camped near the Pheasant Branch during his flight from the US Army toward the Wisconsin River. Soon afterward, early pioneers came to the area around 1840. The area was quickly included in the larger settlement called Middleton. Eventually as the population grew, nearby land owners farmed and developed the area causing erosion and other pollution issues. Beginning in the 1960s the City of Middleton, DNR and later Dane County took affirmative steps to preserve the conservancy and its original natural beauty.
Recreation Resources: Trails, trails, and more trails populate the area. From the beginning of the Conservancy's development, historic trail locations presented a significant opportunity for the establishment of many of the trails used today. As the population has grown and the Conservancy discovered, the area provides for the active enjoyment of a significant trail system primarily for walking hiking, cycling and running. It is typical to see trail users populating the Conservancy morning, noon and night. The relatively newly acquired Bock Forest has added additional trails and enhanced significantly the value of the area from ecological, recreational and natural beauty perspectives.
The area has been recognized for centuries for its very special location. It offers a unique view of Lake Mendota, the watershed and the State Capitol combined with the abundant wildlife in the wetland area and the lovely prairies populating the hillsides. The view from Fredrick Hill is breathtaking making the hike to the top worthwhile. People can appreciate the lovely prairies as well as the expansive vista from that vantage point. A viewing platform is installed here through the efforts of Friends of Pheasant Branch and Dane County.
Wildlife viewing options abound primarily from areas around the wetland as well as other permitted outdoor activities. Canoe access into the Conservancy upstream from Lake Mendota is fairly easy depending clearances in the creek. The area around the major spring is fairly undisturbed allowing views and interpretation of the springs. The wetland's quiet beauty provides a passive recreational setting.
The area has been recognized for centuries for its very special location. It offers a unique view of Lake Mendota, the watershed and the State Capitol combined with the abundant wildlife in the wetland area and the lovely prairies populating the hillsides. The view from Fredrick Hill is breathtaking making the hike to the top worthwhile. People can appreciate the lovely prairies as well as the expansive vista from that vantage point. A viewing platform is installed here through the efforts of Friends of Pheasant Branch and Dane County.
Wildlife viewing options abound primarily from areas around the wetland as well as other permitted outdoor activities. Canoe access into the Conservancy upstream from Lake Mendota is fairly easy depending clearances in the creek. The area around the major spring is fairly undisturbed allowing views and interpretation of the springs. The wetland's quiet beauty provides a passive recreational setting.
Friends of Pheasant Branch and Government Partnerships: The Conservancy is managed by the City of Middleton, Dane County and the DNR. In parks and natural resource areas where there is more than one governmental entity, the Friends groups take on extra importance as they have the consistent vision and ability to leverage financial resources. While joint ownership provides significant opportunities and challenges the Friends of Pheasant Branch are essential to coordinate the work. Moreover, the Friends of Pheasant Branch have been a consistent voice and focus for engaging the community in this unique resource. In addition to fund raising, the Friends conduct community outreach activities, educational tours, cultural events, invasive removal and stewardship of the land and water.
Regional Impacts, Opportunities and Challenges: Pheasant Branch provides a critical link with other related water and land resources in the North Mendota area and is a major point anchoring much broader land preservation efforts. Other area resources include but are not limited to: old Glacial Lake Middleton Mendota County Park, Bellefontaine Metropolitan refuge district, Dorn Creek, Governor Nelson State Park, St. Benedict's Center (Holy Wisdom) and parts of Bishops Bay, Six Mile Creek, Westport Drumlin and Cherokee Marsh.
Regional Impacts, Opportunities and Challenges: Pheasant Branch provides a critical link with other related water and land resources in the North Mendota area and is a major point anchoring much broader land preservation efforts. Other area resources include but are not limited to: old Glacial Lake Middleton Mendota County Park, Bellefontaine Metropolitan refuge district, Dorn Creek, Governor Nelson State Park, St. Benedict's Center (Holy Wisdom) and parts of Bishops Bay, Six Mile Creek, Westport Drumlin and Cherokee Marsh.
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