The Natural Beauty of Pheasant Branch Conservancy

by Dayanara Flores, age 17

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a calm and quiet natural escape just outside the heart of Madison. The conservancy has a broad view of the Capitol building and downtown Madison. The Pheasant Branch Conservancy includes Pheasant Branch Creek, Pheasant Branch Marsh, the Pheasant Branch Watershed, and the Pheasant Branch Natural Resource Area. Three municipal organizations share ownership of these 682 acres of land and water: Dane County Parks, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the city of Middleton.

People who enjoy nature can visit the Pheasant Branch Conservancy wetlands to hike, bike, bird watch, and enjoy the views. Dane County Parks worked with the DNR to expand the lands to grow the number of people interested in nature. This conservancy includes upland oak savannah and lowland wetland prairies, where Pheasant Branch Creek flows.

The Pheasant Branch Creek flows into the Pheasant Branch Marsh, which supplies millions of gallons of water to Lake Mendota and the Yahara chain of lakes.

The creek’s headwaters are in the town of Springfield and the town of Middleton. Water from the Pheasant Branch Creek runs into the marsh, where it connects with bubbling groundwater from two large spring groups. Just this past year, one of the springs groups called Frederick Springs experienced a higher volume of water flow than it had in previous years, nearly 300 gallons/minute more than average. This was due to heavier rainfall during 2024, and thus more groundwater. The marsh expands through the Pheasant Branch Conservancy and drains into Lake Mendota.

In the upland areas of the conservancy, extensive prairie restoration efforts have been made by Dane County Parks and the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, to improve water quality and increase native wildlife.

The conservancy highlights and protects our beautiful landscape, local wildlife, and plants, and allows people visiting to connect with nature. As the weather clears up, the conservancy is the perfect place to walk along trails and enjoy outdoor activities.

[Sources: Pheasant Branch Conservancy; County of Dane]