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Edna Taylor Conservation Park
| Address: | 802 Femrite Dr. |
| Hours: | 4:00am - dusk |
| Park Type:> | Conservation |
| Acres: | 60.27 |
| Restroom: | No |
| Drinking Water: | No |
Park History
Edna Taylor Conservancy Native American Mounds
Built: ca. 700 - 1200 A.D.
Description: Six linear mounds and one panther effigy are located on a high glacial drumlin along the eastern side of the Edna Taylor Conservancy. Originally another linear mound followed the hill crest to the north of the existing group and a conical mound and another very long linear mound extended to the south.
Wisconsin has the highest concentration of effigy mounds in the United States and the Madison area has one of the highest concentrations of effigy mounds remaining. Most mounds were lost to 19th-century agricultural practices and city development. The mound builders were farmers who also engaged in hunting and gathering. They lived in small villages and migrated from one to another based on the seasonal availability of natural resources. The mounds often, but not always, have burials associated with them, but their exact purpose is not entirely understood. Mounds tend to have been built in places with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The mounds are considered sacred by modern Native Americans and should be treated with respect.
The mound group was designated a City of Madison landmark on May 7, 1990 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Edna Taylor
A marker at the park reads, "Edna E.E. Taylor was a teacher, writer and, in her later years, a dairy farmer. A believer in "Sensible Ecology" she proposed to sell 37 of her 98 acres of land to the city of Madison. Added to 10 adjacent acres already held by the city and 11 acres purchased from other owners, the land, which includes a spring, a glacial drumlin, indian mounds, a marsh, and oak stands, would form a conservation park to be enjoyed by future generations. The city purchased the land in 1972, four months after Taylor's death."
Description: Six linear mounds and one panther effigy are located on a high glacial drumlin along the eastern side of the Edna Taylor Conservancy. Originally another linear mound followed the hill crest to the north of the existing group and a conical mound and another very long linear mound extended to the south.
Wisconsin has the highest concentration of effigy mounds in the United States and the Madison area has one of the highest concentrations of effigy mounds remaining. Most mounds were lost to 19th-century agricultural practices and city development. The mound builders were farmers who also engaged in hunting and gathering. They lived in small villages and migrated from one to another based on the seasonal availability of natural resources. The mounds often, but not always, have burials associated with them, but their exact purpose is not entirely understood. Mounds tend to have been built in places with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The mounds are considered sacred by modern Native Americans and should be treated with respect.
The mound group was designated a City of Madison landmark on May 7, 1990 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Edna Taylor
A marker at the park reads, "Edna E.E. Taylor was a teacher, writer and, in her later years, a dairy farmer. A believer in "Sensible Ecology" she proposed to sell 37 of her 98 acres of land to the city of Madison. Added to 10 adjacent acres already held by the city and 11 acres purchased from other owners, the land, which includes a spring, a glacial drumlin, indian mounds, a marsh, and oak stands, would form a conservation park to be enjoyed by future generations. The city purchased the land in 1972, four months after Taylor's death."
At this Park
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Hiking
Explore the many scenic trails and pathways throughout Madison Parks. Year-round restrooms are available at Cherokee Marsh, North and Owen conservation parks.
MAPS
Some of the parks have a trail map on-site or in the "About This Park" on the individual park webpage.
Dogs
Most parks allow leashed & licensed dogs with a Dog Park Permit. However, dogs are prohibited in all conservation parks and a number of Dog Free Parks. View all Hiking -
Historical Feature
More information on historic buildings or district questions may be found in the Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development Planning Division.
Wisconsin has the highest concentration of burial mounds in the United States and the Madison area has one of the highest concentrations of burial mounds remaining. Most mounds were lost to 19th-century agricultural practices and city development. The mound builders were farmers who also engaged in hunting and gathering. They lived in small villages and migrated from one to another based on the seasonal availability of natural resources. The mounds often, but not always, have burials associated with them, but their exact purpose is not entirely understood. Mounds tend to have been built in places with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The mounds are considered sacred by modern Native Americans and should be treated with respect.
A Burial Mounds Policy was created with assistance from the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Ho-Chunk Nation, and approved by the Board of Park Commissioners in October 2019, the policy provides guidelines and procedures for managing burial mounds located in Madison Parks. Burial mound locations are also included in the policy.-
Edna Taylor Conservation Park Native American Burial Mounds
Built: ca. 700 - 1200 A.D.
Description: Six linear mounds and one panther burial are located on a high glacial drumlin along the eastern side of the Edna Taylor Conservancy. Originally another linear mound followed the hill crest to the north of the existing group and a conical mound and another very long linear mound extended to the south. To best preserve, this area is no longer part of the trail system in this park.
The mound group was designated a City of Madison landmark on May 7, 1990 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
More Information: Landmark Nomination
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Parking Lot
Parking lots are available in these parks for the programs or events in these parks. Parking lots are available from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. Overnight parking is not allowed. Parking regulations specific to that park are posted at the entrance of the park. View all Parking Lots -
Snowshoeing
Experience winter in Madison Parks like never before with snowshoeing! This silent sport is a fantastic way to explore many of our parks during the winter months and is easy to learn.
Snowshoe Rentals at Vilas and Elver
Snowshoe rentals are available as conditions allow and when staff is present at Elver and Vilas shelters. Staff is scheduled Wednesday - Sunday based on winter recreation conditions.
RATESSnowshoe Rentals Adult (16 & older) Youth (15 & under) Hourly $5 $2 Additional Hour $2 $2 Daily (24 hours) $25 $10 Additional Day $15 $5
2023 Snowshoe Hike Events- Candlelit Snowshoe Hike, Jan. 14
- Candlelight Snowshoe Hike, Jan. 21
- DO snowshoe anywhere in a general park with good snow cover, except on a cross-country ski trail.
- Do snowshoe at Door Creek Park on marked trails - see *new* MAP.
- DO snowshoe at Elver Park on the marked trail - see MAP.
- DO snowshoe at Yahara Hills on the marked trails - see MAP.
- DO snowshoe on a trail in any conservation park, except those designated for cross-country skiing (Cherokee Marsh South, Owen, and Turville Point)
- DO snowshoe with sufficient snow (typically 4" or more).
- DON'T snowshoe off-trail in a conservation park.
- Snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing off-trail can destroy snow tunnels used by native small rodents (deer mice, shrews) by the trampling effect. These small mammals are an important part of the wetland and grassland ecology in our conservation parks. Destruction of these tunnel networks makes the small mammals more vulnerable to predation.
- When in doubt, it's always best to stay on a trail.
- Our trail systems are designed to facilitate controlled public access while protecting environmentally sensitive areas and providing quiet refuges for wildlife away from people. Disruption of wildlife by human activity during the winter puts additional stress on them during a challenging time for their survival.
- Learn more:
- Read Your Guide to Snowshoeing in Madison Parks
- Subscribe to Winter Recreation News
About This Park
Get to This Park
Conservation Park Rules
Conservation Parks are uniquely managed to further protect native species and wildlife. The preservation of conservation parks includes some of the following. More information may be found in Madison General Ordinances 8.40.
Alcohol
Alcohol is prohibited in all conservation parks.
Bicycles & Motor Vehicles
Bicycles and motor vehicles are restricted to entrance roads and parking lots.
Dogs
Dogs and horses are not allowed.
Fire
Fires and picnics are prohibited.
Firearms
No firearms or weapons are permitted in the restrooms or shelters. Violators are considered trespassers and subject to forfeiture or arrest.
Glass
Glass is not allowed.
Hunting & Trapping
Hunting and trapping are prohibited.
Open Hours
Conservation park hours are 4am until one hour after sunset.
Plants
All plants and animals are protected. Disturbance or removal requires written permission.
Trails
Stay on and use designated trails only.
Trash & Recycling
Place trash in container provided. Please take recyclable material home for proper disposal.