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Places We Protect

Waubesa Wetlands

Wisconsin

A small stream runs through green wetlands under blue sky.
Waubesa Wetlands Natural springs feed Waubesa Wetlands State Natural Area in Dane County, Wisconsin. © Joshua Mayer

These spring-fed wetlands close to Madison are a good place to see waterfowl and migrating birds.

Viewing

Overview

Description

In Madison’s backyard, this is a “living museum” of native plant and animal communities.

Why You Should Visit

This preserve is part of one of Wisconsin’s most studied and valued water habitats.

The marshy terrain provides good habitat for many species of waterfowl and other migrating birds. The wetlands are fed by numerous small springs that provide a continuous flow of clear, cool water. (One of the most impressive of these is Bogholt Deep Spring, which originates in an underground cave.)

How to Get the Most From Your Visit

No established hiking trails exist; the best way to view the preserve is from a canoe. You can put in from the boat launch area at Goodland County Park (see directions). The park does not offer canoe rentals.

Why TNC Selected This Site

The Waubesa Wetlands Preserve contains high-quality, spring-fed wetlands. Close to Madison, it is used extensively for research and education.

What TNC Has Done/Is Doing Here

Since 1974, The Nature Conservancy has protected 227 acres.

To protect the integrity of these wetlands, TNC continues to work closely in a conservation partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Natural Areas Program. Volunteers are helping to restore the wetlands and surrounding woodlands by removing invasive species and conducting controlled burns.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Hours

Open year round, dawn to dusk

Size

193 acres

Explore our work in Wisconsin

What to See: Plants

  • Southern sedge meadow (a state-threatened community)
  • In the meadows: bluejoint grass and tussock sedge amid a scattering of sawgrass sedge, cattails and bur-reed
  • A fen community of brome grass, aster, goldenrod and sage willow

What to See: Animals

Though difficult to traverse for humans, the marshy terrain is an important nesting area for many species of waterfowl and other migrating birds, including the following:

  • American bitterns
  • American coots
  • Blue-gray gnatcatchers
  • Canada geese
  • Common yellowthroats
  • Great blue herons
  • Sandhill cranes

The waters of the preserve also provide a major fish spawning area, especially for northern pike (early to mid-spring).

Plan Your Visit

For more information about visiting the preserve, please follow the link below:

Maps and additional information

All of our preserve maps are now georeferenced. You can download an app on your Apple or Android device, and it will allow you to view your location, record GPS tracks, add placemarks and find places.

Nearby Places We Protect

Red, yellow and green foliage along a stream with fallen branches.

Baxter’s Hollow

The rich forest covering Baxter’s Hollow is part of Wisconsin’s largest intact southern deciduous forest.

Trail through forest at Hemlock Draw.

Hemlock Draw

At Hemlock Draw in the Baraboo Hills, you can see plants and birds typically found in the northern areas of the state growing close to those typically found in southern Wisconsin.

A creek runs through rolling green prairie with groves of trees in the distance.

Barneveld Prairie

Come see a remnant of the vast tallgrass prairies and savannas that once covered most of southern Wisconsin.