What is it?
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.
