Pheasant Branch Conservancy Wetlands and Ponds – At the center of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, a 549-acre protected natural area, one can find a creek and multiple ponds and wetlands, which attract birds of many types, particularly wading birds and waterfowl. Beautiful paved nature trails circle the marshes, giving birdwatchers opportunities to see visiting cranes, ducks, herons and geese. Jet off the main path onto boardwalks for a better chance to spot birds waiting in the water or feasting in the fields. The conservancy provides a quiet refuge for bird watchers to enjoy serene beauty. View more information on the birds of Pheasant Branch Conservancy here.

Tiedeman Pond Conservancy Area – Located just a few minutes out of downtown Middleton is Tiedeman Pond Conservancy Area, a 25-acre glacial kettle pond and restored wetland. Take a short walk around the pond’s ADA-accessible boardwalk, and you’re sure to spot various wildlife. On the west side of the pond, there is a wildlife-viewing platform that gives birdwatches an even more fantastic opportunity to spot feathered creatures. When at Tiedman Pond, it is common to encounter blue-winged teal, great blue herons, wood ducks, green herons, mallard ducks, Canada geese, cattle egrets, black-crowned night herons and double-crested cormorants.

Esser Pond – Located near Greenway Station, Esser Pond is another great place to see waterfowl. Despite its proximity to U.S. Highway 12 and a busy shopping area, birds love this open water and wetlands complex. A trail along the northern edge of the wetlands leads to and from downtown Middleton making it an ideal nature escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.   

Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail – Streaming through the heart of Middleton is Pheasant Branch Creek, which flows adjacent to a scenic, paved, mixed-use trail. The Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail is 1.4 miles long and can be accessed from multiple points; enter from the west off Parmenter Street, east off Century Avenue or mid-trail at Parisi Park. The woods that line the creek are perfect for seeing migrating songbirds.

Even on days when there aren’t many birds to be found, the fall scenery is ample compensation. This fall, make plans to catch a glimpse of migrating birds and beautiful fall colors in Middleton.

In Wisconsin, most migratory birds will have flown south by the end of November. Here is a great site to check year-round if you are an avid birder! And for tracking seasonal bird traffic, check out this site.

What is Pheasant Branch Conservancy?

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a 549-acre protected natural area in Middleton that’s home to an open-water marsh, springs, prairies, meadows, lowland forest and wooded hills. The conservancy’s wetlands and several springs — as well as Pheasant Branch Creek — provide fresh water for Lake Mendota. It’s also home to a wide variety of animals, including deer, sandhill cranes, songbirds and frogs.

Where is it?

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is located on the northern edge of Middleton, off County Highway M (Century Avenue). Parking is available at two smaller lots along Pheasant Branch Drive on the west side of the conservancy or in the larger lot at Orchid Heights Park, which has easy access to Pheasant Branch’s trail system.

Another alternative is to park in the lot on Branch Street and Century Avenue and take the Pheasant Branch Trail into the conservancy.

When is Pheasant Branch Conservancy open?

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

What can you do there?

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is home to several miles of multi-use and hiking trails, including a 3.3-mile main loop that circles the majority of the property. The multi-use trails feature a mix of paved and unpaved segments and are popular among bikers, who can connect to the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail and Middleton’s other great biking options for a longer ride.

Walk up Frederick’s Hill on the northern edge of the conservancy to reach an observation platform that overlooks the marsh and several Native American effigy mounds. Near the southeastern end of the hill, you’ll find another observation platform that offers a view of Frederick Springs, one of two large sets of springs at the property—every day, these springs send more than 2.6 million gallons of freshwater into the marsh and Lake Mendota.

Birdwatching and wildlife viewing are also popular activities in the conservancy.

When’s the best time of year to visit Pheasant Branch Conservancy?

It all depends on what you want to do. Hiking and biking are great options in spring, summer and fall. Birdwatching opportunities — Pheasant Branch is a fabulous place to see cranes, herons, hawks and songbirds—are abundant during the spring and fall migrations, and summer is a perfect time for a sunset hike. In winter, Pheasant Branch is home to a designated snowshoeing trail.

***Temporary trail closure along the Conservancy’s west side due to bald eagle nest. Please respect the closure and explore alternative routes. Eagles are sensitive to human and canine presence and may abandon the nest if disturbed. (Updated: 12/13/2024)

Biking

Get out and ride in Middleton. Middleton is home to an outstanding system of paved and unpaved trails, including the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Trail. See more trails here.

Birdwatching

Middleton—classified as a Bird City Wisconsin—offers some fantastic places to observe some of your feathered friends. Pheasant Branch Conservancy, a 549-acre protected natural area on the northeast side of Middleton, provides great habitat for migrating songbirds, wading birds and waterfowl. In fact, more than 150 species of birds have been observed at Pheasant Branch throughout the years!

Hiking

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is also a good place to take a walk, whether you’re exploring the trails or hiking to the top of Frederick’s Hill for a panoramic view. Don’t forget to check out the Native American mounds you’ll see atop the hill. The conservancy’s main walking loop, which includes a mix of paved and natural trails, is 3.3 miles and takes visitors through mixed woodlands and restored prairies.