Waukau Creek Nature Preserve

This beautiful 64 acre preserve is found north of the Village of Waukau on Delhi Road off County Road K. The site includes Rush Creek, the only flowing stream in Winnebago County. Densely-wooded, steep-walled ravines slope into a broad creek floodplain. Wildflowers abound throughout the entire preserve creating a natural palette of color that changes with the seasons. Self-guided nature trails with interpretive signs teach hikers more about this diverse area. The trails are rustic common sense and care should be taken when hiking. In the winter, self guided cross country ski trails make the preserve a special place to visit. Rush Creek connects the Waukau Creek Nature Preserve with an additional 28 acres of county property located 1/2 mile away off Highway 116. This land, which formerly belonged to the Department of Natural Resources, contains a rough fish-holding pond with regulation devices that control its water level and divert the flow of the creek. Many species of fish can be caught in this pond.

One side of the ravine is densely wooded deciduous forest, with spring wildflowers as an understory. The major trees are Northern Red Oak, Bur Oak and Basswood.  The wildflowers include Dutchmen’s’ Breeches, Trillium, Trout lily, Columbine, Bloodroot and Violets. Along the floodplain are extensive stands of Sandbar Willow and open expanses of sedge and cattail marsh, which harbor a great many birds, including kingfishers, green herons and mallards.