Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a regionally significant natural area in Middleton, Wisconsin. Its 550 acres contain a marsh with open water, springs, prairies, meadows, lowland forest, and wooded hills. The springs daily provide 2.6 million gallons of fresh, clear water to the marsh and Lake Mendota. The many and varied habitats sustain a wide variety of plants and animals, including some that are threatened or endangered. Visitors often hear or see deer, herons, frogs, sandhill cranes, turtles, ducks, geese, hawks, owls, and numerous song birds.

Area residents organized the Friends of Pheasant Branch (FOPB or the Friends) in 1995, in response to a proposal to construct two sewer lines through the conservancy. Since then, FOPB has become an effective advocate for sound land and water management practices. FOPB has obtained grants to work with city, county, state, and federal agencies to restore wetlands, address construction and agricultural runoff, and improve wildlife habitat. The Friends sponsor Kids for the Earth to support area teachers in implementing hands-on activities and field experiences at the conservancy.

In 1993, Middleton High School was the first in Wisconsin to merge environmental science with social studies. Science teacher Debra Weitzel and social studies teacher Mike Duren created Environmental Studies I and II, where students learn about interrelationships of nature and the impact humans have on the environment. Students are encouraged to get involved in community activities – testing water quality of area streams, restoring native ecosystems, monitoring wildlife populations, or promoting stormwater infiltration. They regularly report their findings to city and county agencies and interested community groups. The Ecology Club provides additional opportunities and sends several teams to the state Envirothon competition, consistently placing first, second or third.

Together these two groups have volunteered over 10,000 hours in the conservancy, restoring remnant prairie by clearing honeysuckle, buckthorn, and other invasives and seeding shade-tolerant species under open-grown oaks. Working with staff from Dane County Parks, they have created 100 acres of new prairie, using seeds they helped to collect and clean the year before.

In 2002, the Friends began a campaign to purchase a 19 acre parcel adjacent to the conservancy. We worked with city, county, and state government programs, private foundations, and many individuals. Students considered the implications of development versus conservation of the parcel in their classes. The Ecology Club helped to raise funds through their annual organic dinner. In January, 2006, the purchase was finalized, and the title was transferred to the City of Middleton. The Friends are working with city and county staff to develop a management plan for the newly-acquired area. Once it is approved, we can work with students to clear brush and establish native trees, flowers, and grasses.

The partnership between the Friends and the Environmental Studies Classes has developed a group of knowledgeable, active, and interested citizens with the skills to care for conservancy lands and to shape public policy. We provide forums for addressing controversial issues and for solving problems based on evidence and standards of best practice. This project has strengthened our whole community.

PARTNER STATEMENT

The Nature Conservancy is proud to support the Friends of Pheasant Branch and their collaborative approach in prairie and wetland restoration and improving wildlife habitat. The Nature Conservancy prides itself in bringing partners to the table to solve conservation issues and we have recognized Friends of Pheasant Branch using the same tools to protect and restore biodiversity. We look forward to partnering with Friends of Pheasant Branch to help further their conservation goals.