UW-Waukesha Field Station - Oconomowoc, WI
Not far from Lapham Peak State Park is another beautiful outdoor space to explore. The UW-Waukesha Field Station is 98 acres of diverse habitat, that includes a restored prairie/oak savannah, forestland, an ephemeral pond, Henrietta Lake, and the flowing Scuppernong Creek.
If you're looking for a variety of habitat to hike, this Field Station has it covered.
We recently visited the station for the first time, on a cloudy Saturday afternoon. Not long after we arrived, it started to drizzle. We had hopes it would stop, well...We did manage to hike about for a mile or so, checking out some of the trails, the main buildings, and the outdoor kiln area. It was all very scenic and intriguing. Even with the rain we spotted Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and heard the call of several Sandhill Cranes nearby. Spring bird watching will be good here. We will definitely be returning.
The property was once a working farmland for over 100 years. In 1967, the owner, Gertrude Sherman, donated 92 acres of the property to the University of Wisconsin, expecting the land would be maintained in a natural state. She later donated another 6 acres, including access to Henrietta Lake. The farmhouse and outbuildings remained on the property, and would be used by the University of Wisconsin. Over the next several decades, restoration of the property to native habitats continued, and will continue on for several generations.
There are over 3.5 miles of walking trails, through mowed prairie, woodlands, and via boardwalk over wetlands. Trees along the trails include oak maple, white pine, jack pine, white cedar, and spruce. Trails intersect across the landscape, and along Scuppernong Creek. The Ice Age Trail also connects with the Field Station.
Also at the station, is a unique wood-fired pottery kiln. Built in the field adjacent to the farmhouse, barn, and other outbuildings, the kiln was constructed similar to ancient Japanese Anagama kilns. This working kiln can reach temperatures as high as 2,400 degrees fahrenheit. Once the pottery pieces are fired, it can take upwards of a week to cool before being removed from the kiln.
During our visit the kiln was not in use, but samples of finished pieces are used in the landscape, and viewing the kiln itself is truly worth it. Pottery workshops are offered by UW-Waukesha. Other continuing education classes are hosted at the Field Station as well. Educational Field Trips can be arranged for students K-12. Various parts of the property are available for rental.
The grounds are open to the public on a daily basis, during daylight hours, for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Dogs are permitted, on-leash, and must be cleaned up after.
Parking is available on site.
Location: W349 S1480 Waterville Road, Oconomowoc, WI (Waukesha County)
For more information, click here.
If you're looking for a variety of habitat to hike, this Field Station has it covered.
We recently visited the station for the first time, on a cloudy Saturday afternoon. Not long after we arrived, it started to drizzle. We had hopes it would stop, well...We did manage to hike about for a mile or so, checking out some of the trails, the main buildings, and the outdoor kiln area. It was all very scenic and intriguing. Even with the rain we spotted Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and heard the call of several Sandhill Cranes nearby. Spring bird watching will be good here. We will definitely be returning.
The property was once a working farmland for over 100 years. In 1967, the owner, Gertrude Sherman, donated 92 acres of the property to the University of Wisconsin, expecting the land would be maintained in a natural state. She later donated another 6 acres, including access to Henrietta Lake. The farmhouse and outbuildings remained on the property, and would be used by the University of Wisconsin. Over the next several decades, restoration of the property to native habitats continued, and will continue on for several generations.
There are over 3.5 miles of walking trails, through mowed prairie, woodlands, and via boardwalk over wetlands. Trees along the trails include oak maple, white pine, jack pine, white cedar, and spruce. Trails intersect across the landscape, and along Scuppernong Creek. The Ice Age Trail also connects with the Field Station.
Also at the station, is a unique wood-fired pottery kiln. Built in the field adjacent to the farmhouse, barn, and other outbuildings, the kiln was constructed similar to ancient Japanese Anagama kilns. This working kiln can reach temperatures as high as 2,400 degrees fahrenheit. Once the pottery pieces are fired, it can take upwards of a week to cool before being removed from the kiln.
During our visit the kiln was not in use, but samples of finished pieces are used in the landscape, and viewing the kiln itself is truly worth it. Pottery workshops are offered by UW-Waukesha. Other continuing education classes are hosted at the Field Station as well. Educational Field Trips can be arranged for students K-12. Various parts of the property are available for rental.
The grounds are open to the public on a daily basis, during daylight hours, for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Dogs are permitted, on-leash, and must be cleaned up after.
Parking is available on site.
Location: W349 S1480 Waterville Road, Oconomowoc, WI (Waukesha County)
For more information, click here.
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