Heritage Sanctuary
| Address: | 625 Meadowlark Dr. |
| Hours: | 4:00am - dusk |
| Park Type: | Conservation |
| Acres: | 9.34 |
| Restroom: | No |
| Drinking Water: | No |
Park Details
At peak trillium bloom in mid-May, Heritage Sanctuary is unequaled. Under an oak forest canopy lies a wildflower carpet more typical of a maple forest. The winding trail takes you through this unusual woodland community.
Features 0.5 miles of trails.
Heritage Sanctuary At a Glance
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Land Management
January 2012 - Heritage Sanctuary Stormwater Corridor ImprovementHeritage Sanctuary contains a diverse oak woodland wildflower community. However, currently stormwater coming from street drains travels through the heart of the park causing erosion and disturbance. A second stormwater route traverses the south edge of the park.
After discussions with city engineering, a solution has been designed to better handle this urban stormwater while protecting the park. The first phase which is currently under way involves improving the southern stormwater channel. In areas where the grade is steep rock rip rap is installed to safely carry the stormwater without eroding soil. In other areas where the grade is flatter a grass lined channel will be developed to convey the water.
Phase two will involve diverting the stormwater that comes from the Kennedy Park area. Currently this water travels through the center of Heritage Sanctuary causing severe erosion. The diverted stormwater will be directed to the stormwater channel that forms the southern boundary of the conservation park.
At this Park
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Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get out and explore Madison Parks. Thousands of acres in our parks offer everything from easy strolls to hilltop climbs, meandering walks through woodsy trails and open fields. You can hike through many of our conservation parks that feature natural areas that focus on the restoration of native plant and animal communities. While our neighborhood parks provide a series of paths and trails of varying lengths and features great for walking. View all Hiking -
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to experience many of our parks during the winter months. The sport is easy to learn, poses little risk of injury and is a great way to exert energy during the cold winter months.
We have various length trails in our parks listed below that can be used as snowshoeing trails in the winter. In addition to the parks listed, snowshoeing is also permitted on designated trails at Yahara Hills Golf Course (not on groomed ski trails), the Tom George Greenway, which is located between Heritage Prairie and Elvehjem Sanctuary and anywhere in our parks where there is good snow coverage.
Free Candlelit Snowshoe Events
TIPS FOR SNOWSHOEING- Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in a park that is snow-covered and ungroomed and on ungroomed trails only in conservation parks. Snowshoes are not allowed on groomed cross-country ski trails at anytime.
- 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.
- Sufficient snow (typically 4" or more) is needed to create a base for snowshoeing. The woods generally need more snow to fall due to the trees protecting the trails.
- Snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing off trail destroys 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 make the small mammals more vulnerable to predation.
- Interested in learning the proper way to put on snowshoes?
About This Park
Get to This Park
Conservation Park Rules
Conservation Parks are uniquely managed to further protect native species and wildlife. The following rules apply to all conservation designated 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.