Wild Oaks Preserve

For generations, this quiet and bucolic valley has supported agriculture, wildlife, diverse recreational pursuits, and surely many moments of connection with nature. The 308-acre property was spared from development during the 2020 pandemic by a handful of forward-thinking benefactors. In 2022, the Badgerland Foundation acquired 108 acres directly north of the property. The entire 416 acre property is now known as Wild Oaks Preserve and is co-managed by DALC and the Badgerland Foundation. Our shared vision of Wild Oaks is to preserve the property’s rural character by bringing together wildlife habitat, sustainable agriculture, and an immersive trail system that allows people to connect with the land.

Quick Facts

Belleville, WI
308 acres
Trails not yet established, varying topography
Prairie, savanna, springs, wetlands, forest, farmland
Open to the public via invitation (events, work days, etc)
Open to hunting with permit application and completion of volunteer hours

Getting Here

Access to Spring Valley is through a neighboring property called Badgerland, located at the end of Brunson Road in Belleville. Badgerland consists of just under 100 acres and is being cooperatively managed.

Parking

Parking facilities are still under construction and will remain very rudimentary until 2024 at the earliest.

Trails and Other Features

We are currently designing a trail system. In the meantime, you can visit Wild Oaks by joining a volunteer workday or keeping an eye out for events.

Accessibility

There are currently no trails on the property, and the parking area is very rudimentary. If you would like to submit questions or suggestions about what accessible features you would like to see at Spring Valley, please contact us. We'd love to hear from you!

Volunteer!

Volunteer workdays are every first and third Saturday of each month, from 9am-1pm. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact our Land Management Specialist Zach Pacana (zachary@driftlessconservancy.org).

What Will You Find Here?

The site includes remnant prairie and savanna, springs and wetlands, forests, and of course working agricultural lands. Although much work lies ahead to remove invasive species, reintroduce native plants, and improve wildlife habitat, the site already includes interesting species such as prickly pear cactus, puccoon, sandhill cranes, woodcock, and badgers. There is high potential for the site to soon support more uncommon animals such as rusty patched bumblebees, Blanding’s turtles, grassland birds, and many more.

Preserve Rules

More details to come as we continue working on the site!

Wild Oaks Preserve is open for public deer and turkey hunting, although we ask that prospective hunters contribute 8 hours of time volunteering to the habitat improvement work on the site. Permits are required. To apply for a permit, click here. Volunteer hours and applications must be completed prior to the hunting season in question.

A large, spreading oak tree with green hills in the background.

A group of people sitting on top of a hill and looking out over a wide valley.

A small cactus with a huge yellow flower blooming.

A group of people standing and looking out over distant forested hills under a blue sky.

A line of people wearing hard hats and carrying gear walk in dewy grass along the edge of a forest with light streaming through the trees.

A group of people stand in a loose circle with an ATV in front of a snowy forested hillside.

A group of people sitting on top of a rocky hillside under a blue sky, arms in the air in celebration.