Learn More About Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a special place located in Dane County, Wisconsin. The Conservancy consists of upland oak savanna and lowland wetland prairies. The uplands are known for their diverse prairie and mature hardwood stands. The lowlands are traversed by Pheasant Branch Creek. With its headwaters in the Town of Springfield spanning all the way to the west side of Madison and into the Town of Middleton, Pheasant Branch Creek flows through a corridor within the City of Middleton and into the Pheasant Branch Marsh, which provides millions of gallons of water to Lake Mendota and the Yahara Chain of Lakes.

Lands within the Conservancy are held in the public trust by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the County of Dane, and the City of Middleton. The agencies work collaboratively to provide land management within their prospective units. The City of Middleton unit comprises the North and South Forks of Pheasant Branch. The two forks of the Pheasant Branch Watershed meet at the Confluence Pond, on the west side of the city, where the main channel of Pheasant Branch is formed. Pheasant Branch meanders through an urban greenspace corridor to the city’s northern boundary where Pheasant Branch flows into the Pheasant Branch Marsh. The city maintains pedestrian and bicycle trails through the corridor.  The corridor can provide a shaded oasis on warm summer days. The City unit also contains upland areas.  The Bock Forest on the city’s east side houses activities such as community gardening, upland prairie, and a restored oak savanna.

The Dane County Unit is located north of the City of Middleton boundary and is the second largest management unit by land area. The City of Middleton owns and manages 356.5 acres. At 327 acres, Dane County Parks, with the cooperation of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (owning 60 acres), has developed management plans to conserve these lands as a natural resource area with opportunities for passive recreation.  Historically the Dane County Unit consisted mainly of the lowland wetland of the Pheasant Branch Marsh. Waters from Pheasant Branch flow into the marsh where they are met with surfacing groundwater in two major springs groups. The marsh then flows south through Pheasant Branch where it enters Lake Mendota.

Through land acquisition, the Dane County Unit has expanded to include important upland areas. By restoring prairie in these areas, land management provides both habitat for diverse flora and fauna, and improved water quality in the Yahara River Watershed.  The most recent land acquisition occurred in 2019 when Dane County purchased 159 acres of the Acker Family Farm.  Restoration of the former farm was a critical need for future conservation efforts.  With an assist from Friends of Pheasant Branch volunteers, Dane County Parks manages trails and observation areas for passive recreation such as bird watching and hiking in the Dane County Unit.

The Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy are organized to restore, protect, and promote the Conservancy. If you find the Conservancy as special as we do, we welcome you to join us (insert new site link).  All donations will ensure the Conservancy is a special place for generations to come.