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Meyer
Wetland and Mukwonago River Headwaters
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Nature lovers, take note.
Thanks to benefactors Newell and Ann
Meyer, The Nature Conservancy received its largest gift ever in
Wisconsin — 374 acres of oak savanna, woodlands, wetlands and former
agricultural land worth $12.5 million.
The Newell and Ann Meyer Nature
Preserve, near Eagle, not only boasts a diverse eco system, but a
major portion of the Mukwonago River’s headwaters rise from springs
located on the property. The river is deemed the most pristine small
river system in southeast Wisconsin.
The preserve is now open year-round to
the public for hiking (there’s a three-mile trail on site),
cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, bird-watching and other low-impact
recreational activities.
The area provides nesting habitat for
sand-hill cranes, a favorite of the Meyers. "It’s home to 60
endangered species in the state," says Mary Jean Huston,
Wisconsin state director of The Nature Conservancy. "It’s very
important for migrating birds in the spring."
The Meyers loved nature and, in
particular, this special place. "All of us want to leave our
mark, and the Meyers really had a dream to pass on their land,"
says Huston.
| Directions: The preserve is
located at S104 W38319 Highway 67, town of Eagle, abutting
Waukesha and
Walworth counties. It is about
2.5 miles southwest of Eagle. The entry drive is 1 mile
southwest of the intersection of Highway 67 and Highway LO.
Visitors can park in the lot just inside the entrance.
Hours: The preserve is open
year-round from sunrise to sunset.
For more information: Contact
Mukwonago River Project Office,
(262) 642-7278 or nature.org/wisconsin |
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