Nature Preserve
Wild Oaks Preserve
Belleville, Wisconsin
Difficulty: Hilly, easy, and moderate trails
Preserve Size: 415 acres
For generations, this bucolic valley has supported family farms, wildlife, hunting, and personal stories of connection with nature. The 415-acre property was spared from development during the 2020 pandemic by forward-thinking benefactors and features diverse ecosystems, including oak savannas, pastureland, prairie, woodlands, a wetland, and tillable fields. We seek to preserve the rural character of the landscape by restoring wildlife habitats, encouraging farming practices that promote healthy soil and clean water, and creating an immersive trail system that allows people to easily access and connect with the land. Our first two trail segments are designated for foot traffic only, but we plan to develop additional trails for mountain biking in the coming years. Wild Oaks is a cooperative project of Drifltess Area Land Conservancy and BadgerLand Foundation.
Explore the Preserve!
Features
- This is a foot traffic-only preserve, to be used for hiking, running, or snowshoeing.
- Prairie, savanna, wetlands, forest, farmland
- Currently closed to the public except volunteer work days and events
- Open to hunting with permit application and completion of volunteer hours
Accessibility
- The trails are mostly flat and suitable for a wide variety of visitors. The Cactus Bluff Loop includes a steeper sections of moderate difficulty.
- There is a porta-potty adjacent to the parking lot.
- Please note trails are not groomed in the winter.
Location & Parking
- The Preserve address is 277 Brunson Rd, Belleville. Please drive slowly to the bottom of Brunson Road to find the parking area. Access to this preserve is under construction, and only allowed during work days and scheduled events
Preserve Rules
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- Foot traffic only. Hiking, running, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Bicycle trails will be added in the future. Horseback riding and motorized vehicles are not permitted
- Stay on the trails. Hiking off-trail disturbs vegetation and wildlife, and increases your chances of encountering natural hazards or trespassing outside of preserve boundaries.
- No pets. Dogs, even on leashes, are not allowed.
- Leave no trace. Carry out everything that you carry in.
- Minimize your impact. During your visit, please do not disturb wildlife, grazing cattle, collect plants, or pick wildflowers. If you are interested in foraging, we offer workshops on native plants. Geocaching is not allowed.
- Preserve hours are dawn to dusk. Camping and building campfires are not allowed.
- Help contribute to a safe, welcoming environment for all visitors. Please report any concerns to the site steward Fil Sanna at (608) 636-6222.
- Hunting program. Hunting permits are earned by those who contribute volunteer hours and comply with the hunter guidelines and applicable laws. Download the Wild Oaks Hunting Program here.
- Download our Deer Hunting Program and Permit Process [PDF]
Explore Our Other Nature Preserves
Argyle, WI
Mineral Point, WI
Highland, WI
Dodgeville, WI
Spring Green, WI
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