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Owen Conservation Park

Owen Conservation Park
Address: 6021 Old Sauk Rd.
Hours: 4:00am - dusk
Park Type: Conservation
Acres: 96.79
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes

Park Details

On a hilltop overlooking Madison's west side, this park was the farm and personal retreat of former University Professor Edward T. Owen.  Today, prairies and oak savannas have risen like a phoenix to reclaim the landscape.  Coneflowers, goldenrod, and bluestem are among the many plants that yield a harvest of ever-changing color and texture throughout the year. 

Help us identify plant species found at Owen 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 Owen, including the dates you observe the different species to pquinlan@cityofmadison.com.

Interested in volunteering? Visit, the Friends of Owen Conservation Park, to learn more. 

During the winter, approximately 1.6 miles are groomed for classic cross-country skiing as snow cover allows. No permit is required at this trail. 

Park Highlights

Bird & Nature Adventures: Explore this park with a FREE, guided nature walk offered monthly.

Land Management

In 2008, construction was completed on 3 stormwater/wildlife ponds in the southwest corner of the park near Jetty Dr.  The ponds replaced an eroded channel that carried tons of sediment to Lake Mendota every year.  The first 2 ponds  trap nearly 70% of the sediment.  The third pond  functions chiefly as additional wildlife habitat.  Native prairie plants, trees and shrubs surround the ponds.  The ponds have been planted with aquatic plants.  Having permanent water habitat will attract additional wildlife e.g. herons, wood ducks, shorebirds.

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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.