Things to See & Do

TRAIL SYSTEM

Walk seven miles of trails through crops, prairie, and woodlands. Trail signs will guide you along the way. Click Here for a detailed trail map.

PICNIC AREA

Picnic on top of three different watersheds and enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of the area including; Lake Mendota, the Capitol, and Black Earth Creek Valley.

STONE FENCE

Walk along an historic stone fence built over 150 years ago when settlers cleared the glacial debris from the land.

PRAIRIE RESTORATION

Watch the ongoing process of restoring the land to 6 different prairies including an Oak Savanna.

CROPS

See a variety of crops including Corn, Oats, Soybeans, Timothy Grass, Alfalfa, and Wheat. Learn what they are, where they come from and how they are used.

WILDLIFE

See the tremendous abundance of grassland birds that feed on the Prairies, Sunflowers, Winter Wheat, and Oats.  Some of these species are rare.

WATERSHEDS

Stand on top of three different watersheds to enjoy the view of Lake Mendota, the Capitol, and Black Earth Creek Valley.

GEOLOGY & GLACIER FORMATIONS

Learn how the glacier formed Pope Farm Conservancy 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. View three different recessional moraines, three watersheds, and thousands of rocks that give you a feeling of the power of the glacier that once covered the land.

NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY

Learn about 12,000 years of human history in this area.  Find out where Indian villages, trails, campsites, and burial sites were located.

NATIVE AMERICAN GARDEN

Study a replica of a 1,000 year old Native American garden, and how their knowledge contributed to agriculture.

RAIN GARDEN

Rain gardens are filled with plants that like to have wet roots. They not only add beauty but help soak up excess rainwater to aid in the control of storm water runoff. Learn more…

LOG CABIN SITE

Follow the route of German immigrants from Mecklenburg to the Town of Middleton in the 1800’s.  Learn who they were and how they lived. Watch our German Immigration video series to learn more about these early settlers.

CCC SPILLWAY

Observe how erosion is being controlled today by the work done by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930’s.  Who was the CCC, what did they do, and why were they here? Explore our 6-part video series about the legacy of the CCC at Pope Farm Conservancy.

INTERPRETIVE SIGNS

Interpretive signage will guide you through Pope Farm Conservancy to enhance your visit. Click Here for a list of our existing signage.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

• Cross Country skiing (Trails are groomed by Blackhawk Ski Club)
• Snow Shoeing
• Sledding
• Photography
• Painting
• Walking/Hiking
• Jogging
• Horseback Riding