Prairie Ridge Conservation Park is located in Madison's far southwest side. The original 48 acres of land was purchased by the City of Madison in 1992 using State Stewardship grant money. The remaining 4 acres were acquired in 2003 due to land dedication from the Ice Age Falls Development.
Prairie Ridge Conservation Park features steep topography. This topography allowed for steep prairies, a.k.a. goat prairies - as only goats would be able to traverse this steep slope.
Help us identify plant species found at Prairie Ridge Conservation Park. We welcome your help in verifying and updating this list. Feel free to send us any notes or information you may have about the plant community at Praire Ridge, including the dates you observe the different species to pquinlan@cityofmadison.com.
Hiking is a great way to get out and explore Madison Parks. Thousands of acres offer everything from easy strolls to hilltop climbs, meandering woodsy trails and open fields. Hike on a path through a conservation park where we focus on native plant restoration and animal communities. Or take a walk in one of our many neighborhood parks providing a series of paths and trails of varying lengths and features. Post your photos on social media using #madisonparks
Turville Point Conservation ParkView all Hiking
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.
Snowshoeing at Door Creek Park
We have various length trails in our parks listed below, in addition, snowshoeing is also permitted anywhere with good snow cover with the exception of any groomed ski trail and off-trail in a conservation park.
Limited quantities of snowshoes are available to rent from the Elver Park winter shelter (see websitefor schedule).
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 any time.
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.
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.
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 makes the small mammals more vulnerable to predation.
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.
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get out and explore Madison Parks. Thousands of acres offer everything from easy strolls to hilltop climbs, meandering woodsy trails and open fields. Hike on a path through a conservation park where we focus on native plant restoration and animal communities. Or take a walk in one of our many neighborhood parks providing a series of paths and trails of varying lengths and features. Post your photos on social media using #madisonparks.JPG)
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.
