Pavcek Preserve - Hartford, WI
Located in the Hartford area, in the Town of Erin, is a small treasure of a nature preserve - Pavcek Preserve. The preserve is 32 acres of woodland beauty, just a stones throw from Holy Hill, and is part of the Holy Hill Forest Legacy Program. It is managed by the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust. The walking trail is a basic loop that spans the perimeter of the landscape. You'll pass rolling hills and lower valleys, with a view of a 35' esker (glacially formed ridge), terrain familiar to the Kettle Moraine region it resides in.
The forest includes shagbark hickory, slippery elm, butternut hickory, swamp hickory, white oak, red elm, and red ash, to name a few. Some of these are labeled as you walk the trail. Taking the trail loop on the left, going clockwise, you'll pass a wetland pond, and a few benches for rest and contemplation along the way.
It's a birdy spot. Perfect for birdwatching. I was surprised when I entered the trail to spot a pileated woodpecker first thing. It made a great deal of noise at my entrance, and took off toward a tall tree in the distance. It wasn't until I'd nearly completed my hike that I spotted the tree it had been working on. Long holes had been drilled into the sides of the tree. It's clearly been working on it for a while. Unfortunately, it didn't return while I was there. Other birds I heard or spotted were blue jays, juncos, a red bellied woodpecker, and chickadees. Squirrels scampered along the forest floor collecting acorns and such.
The trail itself is simple, less than a mile, but not always easy to see, covered in oak leaves. But there are red dots on the bark of the trees lining the path, so it's not difficult to find your way. If you're taking the trail in snow, a walking stick might be helpful, mainly to keep from tripping on hidden stones and felled tree branches.
Activities permitted here include hiking, cross-country skiing, and birdwatching. Dogs are permitted on-leash.
Parking: Small Parking Lot On-site, (maybe 3 vehicles, depending on size)
Hours: Open Daily
Fees: None
Dogs welcome on-leash.
Location: 1400 Cty Rd K, Hartford, WI (Washington County)
For more information, click here.
The forest includes shagbark hickory, slippery elm, butternut hickory, swamp hickory, white oak, red elm, and red ash, to name a few. Some of these are labeled as you walk the trail. Taking the trail loop on the left, going clockwise, you'll pass a wetland pond, and a few benches for rest and contemplation along the way.
It's a birdy spot. Perfect for birdwatching. I was surprised when I entered the trail to spot a pileated woodpecker first thing. It made a great deal of noise at my entrance, and took off toward a tall tree in the distance. It wasn't until I'd nearly completed my hike that I spotted the tree it had been working on. Long holes had been drilled into the sides of the tree. It's clearly been working on it for a while. Unfortunately, it didn't return while I was there. Other birds I heard or spotted were blue jays, juncos, a red bellied woodpecker, and chickadees. Squirrels scampered along the forest floor collecting acorns and such.
The trail itself is simple, less than a mile, but not always easy to see, covered in oak leaves. But there are red dots on the bark of the trees lining the path, so it's not difficult to find your way. If you're taking the trail in snow, a walking stick might be helpful, mainly to keep from tripping on hidden stones and felled tree branches.
Activities permitted here include hiking, cross-country skiing, and birdwatching. Dogs are permitted on-leash.
Parking: Small Parking Lot On-site, (maybe 3 vehicles, depending on size)
Hours: Open Daily
Fees: None
Dogs welcome on-leash.
Location: 1400 Cty Rd K, Hartford, WI (Washington County)
For more information, click here.
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