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Kettle Pond Conservation Park

Kettle Pond Conservation Park
Address: 5805 Old Middleton Rd.
Hours: 4:00am - dusk
Park Type: Conservation
Acres: 8.06
Restroom: No
Drinking Water: No

Park Details

The retreat of the glacier 10,000 years ago left many 'kettle holes' in the Madison area.  A pond surrounded by woods provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife in this small park. 

Features 0.4 miles of trails.

Recently, staff retrieved 13 bags of garlic mustard neatly piled by the trailhead and pulled by anonymous volunteers. To further support these efforts, staff have designated two "garlic mustard compost sites" along the trail, where passersby can drop plants that they have pulled.  While bagging the plants and sending them to the landfill is ideal, the second-best is concentrating all the seeds produced to one or two spots, allowing native plants to thrive throughout the rest of the park.  

garlic mustard compost site

Land Management

Neighborhood volunteers are helping with an ongoing oak savanna restoration project. Exotic trees and shrubs are being cut to allow for sufficient light levels to foster oak regeneration and wildflower growth. Native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers are being planted. Increased plant diversity promotes a diverse community of wildlife species.

At this Park

  • Following a July 2023 unanimous vote of the Board of Park Commissioners leashed and licensed dogs are allowed in all general Madison parks. 

    • Must be licensed.
    • Must have a valid daily or annual Dog Permit.Must pick up dog waste.
    • Must be leashed and under the owner's control at all times. MGO 23.32(1)
      •  Violators may see a fine up to $500
         

    Dog Prohibited Areas 

    Violators may and should be reported by contacting a Park Ranger (608) 235-0448.

    View all Dog Free Parks

    • Kettle Pond Conservation Park - Dog Free Park

      Location: 5805 Old Middleton Rd.
  • Explore the many scenic trails and pathways throughout Madison Parks.  Year-round restrooms are available at Cherokee Marsh, North and Owen conservation parks. 

    MAPS
    Looking for a trail map for a particular park? A number of the individual park pages provide a trail map. Check out the "About This Park" section of your favorite park. Don't see a map? Let us know! 

    Dogs
    Most parks allow leashed & licensed dogs with a Dog Permit. However, dogs are prohibited in all conservation parks and a few other locations. See Dog Free Parks for more information. View all Hiking

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.