Trail Traipsing Exploring Creek Meanders, Brilliant Wildflowers and Majestic Woodlands at Pheasant Branch Conservancy

 

A Quilt of Ecosystems Including Prairies, Wetlands, Meadows and Woodlands Dazzle Hiking at Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton, Wisconsin

Exploring trails in and around Madison, Wisconsin led us to the spectacular nature refuge Pheasant  Branch Conservancy in Middleton. Upon embarking on our first hike at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, we immediately become enamored with the rolls of the trails and striking views. 

A valley opened up in front of us as we embarked on our trail at Pheasant Branch Conservancy.

Starting on our chosen trail, we enjoyed a bit of a valley view between the trees. The jubilant greens really drew us into the landscape. Soon, we would learn that this particular preserve would hold many treasures. I had to pause to take in the valley because I truly was not expecting this fantastic scene!

Pheasant Branch Conservancy has a long history in addition to its natural treasures . In fact, Native American mounds can be viewed on the site.

Wild bergamot added a blaze of color to the prairie.

Summer brings so many vibrant prairie blooms and the fluttering of butterflies! Throughout our hike, we reveled in prairie flowers in prairie sections of the preserve including a  healthy dose of bergamot! The prairie at Pheasant Branch Conservancy is thousands of years old.

Spying Pheasant Branch Creek meandering through the preserve.

Wandering the woodland, we eventually stumbled on Pheasant Branch Creek! We crossed a bridge which treated with lovely views. A small offshoot trail brought us to the edge of the meandering create. Just lovely! The preserve is part of the Pheasant Branch Watershed and the larger Yahara River Watershed. Watersheds are ecologically important serving to help drain storm water. Water from watersheds supply drinking water and water for economic activities. Protecting watersheds is vitally important and the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy are working with local entities to continue to improve the quality of the watershed.

To help keep Pheasant Branch Conservancy thriving, consider donating to Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy.

Wetlands treat with the songs of frogs and birds as well as the rustle of reeds.

 While visiting a watershed, you can expect to discover wetland treasures. The wetlands were certainly alive during our visit! We hear the songs of frogs and birds. Feathered friends and butterflies flitted by. Reeds and grasses rustled in the wind. So beautiful!

 

Frederick's Hill rises up above the wetlands.

From the wetlands, we viewed Frederick's Hill rising in the distance. We admired such a breathtaking view of the tree dotted hill rising above the tall grasses of the wetlands. Stunning! Frederick's Hill is actually the site of a communal Native American tomb as well as mounds. The hill truly has a spiritual nature to it as you study it in the distance.

A boardwalk helps hikers enjoy marshy areas.

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is such a lovely preserve displaying an intriguing quilt of melded together ecosystems. Such a fascinating adventure! We visited on one of the warmest days of the summer and were so entranced with the preserve, we hardly noted the heat. We would love to return again and explore more of the trails and features of this spectacular nature oasis.