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Meadow Ridge Conservation Park

Meadow Ridge Conservation Park
Address: 105 W. Sauthoff Rd.
Hours: 4:00am - dusk
Park Type: Conservation
Acres: 9.87
Restroom: No
Drinking Water: No

Park Details

bluebirds on birdhouse
Bluebirds by Stephen Lang
Meadow Ridge Conservation Park and the adjacent Meadow Ridge Park offer trails through woods and restored prairie. The ridge provides views of Lake Mendota through the woods. Birdlife includes barred owl in the woods and eastern bluebirds in the prairie. 

Half mile of trails in total. A trail at the north end of the park connects to trails in Cherokee Marsh - Mendota Unit


 

Park Highlights

snowy overlook at park
Snow-covered overlook by Ed Snyder

Land Management

This park is situated on ancestral Ho-Chunk land. The ridge holds an effigy mound constructed by Native Americans before European settlement. 
meadow ridge park scene
Photo by Jan Axelson


Management has included the removal of invasive buckthorn, honeysuckle, garlic mustard, and dame's rocket to open the understory and maintain wildflower populations.

Burial Mound Policy 
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.

At this Park

About This Park

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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.