Mequon Nature Preserve in Mequon, Wisconsin: A Living Urban Oasis in Ozaukee County
Welcome to Mequon Nature Preserve – a living urban oasis in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. Nestled in the city of Mequon, this unique preserve offers a unique and diverse mix of woodlands, wetlands, open spaces, and recreational opportunities. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, outdoor explorer, or just looking for a peaceful escape, you can find something to enjoy with this 186-acre experience.
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The Mequon Nature Preserve is home to a huge variety of plants and animals, representing a typical northern Deciduous Forest – Wisconsin’s most iconic and beloved habitat. Explore woodlands, prairies, savannas, and fens that are brimming with life, from mammals like the white-footed mouse, red fox, and groundhog to amphibians like the American toad, American Bullfrogs, and green frogs. As you venture deep into the preserve, you may also spot an array of feathered fellows like the yellow warbler, great-horned owl, and hooded merganser.
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The preserve also plays host to a wide variety of plant species, including a wide array of grasses and forbs, as well as trees like red, black, and white oaks, aspens, and pines. Throughout the area, diverse and fertile wetlands add an extra layer of color to the scene. If you plan to visit the Mequon Nature Preserve, you’ll find several loops and trails that cover 8.5 miles of land. Along the way, you can look for permanent and seasonal highlights, like the lush fields of native grasses and wildflowers, which make the walks more interesting. There are also plenty of spots to sit down, relax, and take in some of the stunning views Mequon Nature Preserve has to offer.
Also, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for two of the preserve’s signature features – the wetland marshland on the east side and the dry sand-oak savanna on the west side. With the variety of terrain, you’re sure to stumble upon something special, like a jeweled Insect or a catchy songbird. Besides hiking, Mequon Nature Preserve also allows other activities like biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and even fishing*. You can enjoy a picnic in the preserve’s Picnic Area and Mosquito Control Outpost or even explore the Visitor's Center. This modern hub for education and research is designed to help guests explore the preserve’s diverse environment and discover what it’s like to live in and around a northern Deciduous Forest.
The Mequon Nature Preserve was founded in 1993 by five nearby municipalities in Ozaukee County, who came together with a common goal – to create a place of refuge, recreation, and education for the local community. The county planted a 8.5-mile-long loop of trails around the preserve; the goal was a nature refuge in the midst of a bustling urban area. The result is a sanctuary of beauty and rich in biodiversity that is a pleasure to explore. The 178-acre preserve, which is independently managed by the Ozaukee Nature Preserve, serves as an example of a successful community partnership that embraces the idea of community stewardship of natural areas. The Ozaukee Nature Preserve offers several programs and education materials to help families and individuals of all ages understand the value of green spaces. It also works to help preserve the preserve by participating in insect and invasives control, as well as habitat restoration projects.
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