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Property Story
In October of 2018, the Willow Creek property was officially acquired by Glacial Lakes Conservancy (GLC) from the City of Sheboygan. The evolution of this property transfer and preservation plan has been a multiple year process involving many important team players including: GLC, City of Sheboygan, Town of Sheboygan, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and many invested government and community stakeholders.
Funding for the purchase of this property was secured from the Sheboygan River Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) settlement. These funds were established with the purpose of restoring natural resources that have been previously degraded by the discharge of hazardous substances into areas such as the Sheboygan River.
This property includes 143 acres of undeveloped land positioned west of Taylor Drive, between Indiana Avenue and Erie Avenue. Willow Creek traverses this property and is a tributary to the Sheboygan River Area of Concern. This prominent feature has given rise to the name Willow Creek Preserve.
GLC’s intention is to protect and restore this property's ecological value and to allow passive recreation for public enjoyment. Currently, there are footpath trails that exist as remnants of old farm access paths. These trails will be loosely maintained to support gentle exploration of the various habitats and wildlife that can be found here.
Future plans for this property have been, and will continue to be, guided by stakeholder input and our new (2023) Land Management Plan which will include but are not limited to: restoring the creek to support natural and native fish reproduction, invasive plant species management, wetland protection, monitoring of waterways and wildlife and so much more! Willow Creek Preserve will be a site to keep an eye on in the coming years as GLC prepares for many large projects; from wetland scrapes, installation of a Regenerative Stormwater Conveyance System, creation of animal habitat, and many more hopeful plans down the line.
With time, sustainable planning, and community partnership and support, this property will provide an urban oasis that will be forever protected and available for public enjoyment and education for current and future generations.
Personal Perspective
by Communications Intern Marian Cramer
Willow Creek is a hidden gem in the middle of Sheboygan. The hike is easy and perfect for casual nature enthusiasts looking for something to do close by. Due to its location in the city, this property is an oasis for wildlife. The trail starts on a wide path with tall oak trees on either side. If you’re quiet and careful, you might see any number of animals, including wild turkey, deer, or cute little bunnies.
As the path twists through the forest, bright wildflowers will catch your eye on the edges of the path. Eventually you will come to a prairie and the path will twist into a circle similar to the classic Wisconsin roundabout with three stems coming off of it. This choose your own adventure site is part of what makes this property so much fun. One path will lead you to the bubbling creek that the site is named for, and the other will lead you to a denser part of the forest where big green leaves will provide plenty of shade.
The prairie itself is equally as beautiful with swaying yellow grass and bursts of yellow, purple, and white wildflowers. If you enjoy meditating or journaling, you couldn’t find a better spot. Sit down anywhere and listen to the breeze ruffling the trees, birds chirping. Perhaps you’ll be able to identify the call of a Chick-a-dee or a Blue Jay. You might notice the blue green tint of a dragonfly or the orange back of a monarch flit past you. Before long, you’ll forget that the city is so close and realize that Willow Creek is not only an oasis for wildlife, but an oasis for anyone hoping to enjoy its beautiful scenery.
Funding for the purchase of this property was secured from the Sheboygan River Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) settlement. These funds were established with the purpose of restoring natural resources that have been previously degraded by the discharge of hazardous substances into areas such as the Sheboygan River.
This property includes 143 acres of undeveloped land positioned west of Taylor Drive, between Indiana Avenue and Erie Avenue. Willow Creek traverses this property and is a tributary to the Sheboygan River Area of Concern. This prominent feature has given rise to the name Willow Creek Preserve.
GLC’s intention is to protect and restore this property's ecological value and to allow passive recreation for public enjoyment. Currently, there are footpath trails that exist as remnants of old farm access paths. These trails will be loosely maintained to support gentle exploration of the various habitats and wildlife that can be found here.
Future plans for this property have been, and will continue to be, guided by stakeholder input and our new (2023) Land Management Plan which will include but are not limited to: restoring the creek to support natural and native fish reproduction, invasive plant species management, wetland protection, monitoring of waterways and wildlife and so much more! Willow Creek Preserve will be a site to keep an eye on in the coming years as GLC prepares for many large projects; from wetland scrapes, installation of a Regenerative Stormwater Conveyance System, creation of animal habitat, and many more hopeful plans down the line.
With time, sustainable planning, and community partnership and support, this property will provide an urban oasis that will be forever protected and available for public enjoyment and education for current and future generations.
Personal Perspective
by Communications Intern Marian Cramer
Willow Creek is a hidden gem in the middle of Sheboygan. The hike is easy and perfect for casual nature enthusiasts looking for something to do close by. Due to its location in the city, this property is an oasis for wildlife. The trail starts on a wide path with tall oak trees on either side. If you’re quiet and careful, you might see any number of animals, including wild turkey, deer, or cute little bunnies.
As the path twists through the forest, bright wildflowers will catch your eye on the edges of the path. Eventually you will come to a prairie and the path will twist into a circle similar to the classic Wisconsin roundabout with three stems coming off of it. This choose your own adventure site is part of what makes this property so much fun. One path will lead you to the bubbling creek that the site is named for, and the other will lead you to a denser part of the forest where big green leaves will provide plenty of shade.
The prairie itself is equally as beautiful with swaying yellow grass and bursts of yellow, purple, and white wildflowers. If you enjoy meditating or journaling, you couldn’t find a better spot. Sit down anywhere and listen to the breeze ruffling the trees, birds chirping. Perhaps you’ll be able to identify the call of a Chick-a-dee or a Blue Jay. You might notice the blue green tint of a dragonfly or the orange back of a monarch flit past you. Before long, you’ll forget that the city is so close and realize that Willow Creek is not only an oasis for wildlife, but an oasis for anyone hoping to enjoy its beautiful scenery.
April 10th, 2023 Stakeholder Meeting
April 4, 2022 Stakeholder Meeting
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