Millville Conservancy
The Lower Wisconsin River winds throughout the southwestern part of the state, braiding cords of water and sandbars into the confluence of the Mississippi. Oaks, bluffs, and bald eagles all rise tall over its banks, much of which is protected, making the waters a hotspot for wildlife and recreation alike. Resting on a bluff above the river, between Boscobel and Wyalusing State Park is the 90-acre Millville Conservancy.
Millville Conservancy prairie in fall. Photo by Sarah Barron.
Millville Conservancy
Millville Conservancy prairie in fall. Photo by Sarah Barron.
The Lower Wisconsin River winds throughout the southwestern part of the state, braiding cords of water and sandbars into the confluence of the Mississippi. Oaks, bluffs, and bald eagles all rise tall over its banks, much of which is protected, making the waters a hotspot for wildlife and recreation alike. Resting on a bluff above the river, between Boscobel and Wyalusing State Park is the 90-acre Millville Conservancy.
Access & Directions
Located in the town of Millville in Grant County, WI. Address is 10725 County Road C, Woodman, WI.
Site Steward
Connect with the Chapter to see how you can care for this rare habitat at an upcoming work party.
This site is stewarded by The Prairie Enthusiasts Southwest Wisconsin Chapter.
How to Enjoy This Site
Allowed:
- Hiking
- Nature observation
Not Allowed:
- Bikes
- Motorized vehicles
- Removal of plants, animals, fungi, soils or any other natural material
How to Enjoy This Site
Allowed:
- Hiking
- Nature observation
Not Allowed:
- Bikes
- Motorized vehicles
- Removal of plants, animals, fungi, soils or any other natural material
Path at Millville Conservancy bordered by asters and goldenrods. Photo by Sarah Barron.
What Makes Millville Conservancy Special
Millville Conservancy is defined by its variety. It contains north facing bluffs and south facing sands. Its diversity includes prairie, savanna, woodlands and frontage along a Class 2 trout stream. The property slopes upward from the river, with big bluestem, milkweeds and New England asters filling in the countours of the land. As the hill climbs, the prairie gives way to an oak woodland with an open floor of herbaceous plants like giant yellow hyssop, common wood rush, and poke milkweed. From this higher vantage, the view is perfect for watching the Wisconsin River lumber on by.
Walking along the mowed paths, dipping in and out of woodland and prairie, you may hear a cerulean warbler’s buzzy song or the shill cackles and trills of a red-headed woodpecker. This site features over 400 plant species.
Bumblebee on New England aster at Millville Conservancy. Photo by Reid Bartholomew.
How was Millville Conservancy Protected
Long-time Prairie Enthusiast and Southwest Wisconsin Chapter Member Jack Kussmaul moved on to the property in 1981, finding himself back in Wisconsin, six miles from the farm he grew up on after a several-year stint outside of the state. Early on in his residence there, he recalls having dreams of putting up fences and turning portions of the property into pastureland, but he found himself raising something dramatically different from livestock.
It just so happened that several of Jack’s friends were among the earliest members of The Prairie Enthusiasts: passionate volunteers like Alice and Walter Mirk, Dan Wallace and Gail Moede. They came out to his property, conducted inventories of native plant species, and based on their findings of a few small remnant ecosystems, suggested that instead of a pasture, he might consider his site as a candidate for ecological restoration. Their encouragement set Jack down a 45-year journey with native ecology that would take him through several leadership roles within The Prairie Enthusiasts and transform his land into Millville Conservancy.
Though Jack had been thinking about protecting his land for quite some time, there was little doubt in his mind about the organization that he wanted to eventually become the stewards of the property.
“I know the people. I know what they do. This place will be protected and burned. It feels very satisfying to know that this will be a nice natural enclave,” Jack said when asked about his decision to donate Millville Conservancy to The Prairie Enthusiasts in November 2026. Now protected, Millville Conservancy is open to the public, and Jack’s legacy of stewardship will continue to be shared with generations to come.
View of the Wisconsin River from Millville Conservancy. Photo by Reid Bartholomew.
How You Can Help Millville Conservancy
Check out our Events Calendar to see upcoming work parties or contact the site steward to get involved.
Large milkweed bugs on milkweed. Photo by Sarah Barron.