Mukwonago River Oak Barrens
Mukwonago River Oak Barrens
You can now visit one of Southeast Wisconsin’s rarest kinds of habitats just outside of Milwaukee. This 61-acre property features sand barren habitat, an incredible diversity of plant and animal life, and access to the pristine Mukwonago River.
Blazing star thriving in a restored area of Mukwonago River Oak Barrens. Photo by Dan Carter.
Mukwonago River Oak Barrens
Blazing star thriving in a restored area of Mukwonago River Oak Barrens. Photo by Dan Carter.
You can now visit one of Southeast Wisconsin’s rarest kinds of habitats just outside of Milwaukee. This 61-acre property features sand barren habitat, an incredible diversity of plant and animal life, and access to the pristine Mukwonago River.
Access & Directions
Off of Waukesha County Hwy LO between the intersection of County Hwy E and Rainbow Springs Nature Preserve.
From State Highway 83 in the Village of Mukwonago, proceed west on Eagle Lake Avenue (County LO) for about 4.9 miles. The entrance is on the south (left) side of the road about 0.1 miles past a barn that sitsvery near the road. From the State Highway 67 in the Village of Eagle, proceed east on E. Main St. (County Nn) for about 1.5 miles to Sprague Road. Turn south (right) on Spraque Road and proceed to the T-intersection with County LO. Turn left and proceed straight through the intersection with County E (pub and filling station on opposite corners). The entrance to the property is on the south (right) side County LO about 0.3 miles past the intersection with County E.
No signs mark the entrance. The property entrance is here. Visitors typically park along a broad mowed path here.
Site Steward
Connect with the site steward to see how you can care for this rare habitat at an upcoming work party.
This site is stewarded by The Prairie Enthusiasts Glacial Prairie Chapter.
Site Steward: Dan Carter Email
How to Enjoy This Site
Allowed:
- Hiking
- Nature observation
- Hunting
- Permits are required for all gun and muzzleloader deer seasons (submit this online form)
- Be aware a snowmobile route is allowed across the northern edge of the property
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
- Hunting – Permits are required for all gun and muzzleloader deer seasons (submit this online form)
- Be aware a snowmobile route is allowed across the northern edge of the property
Not Allowed:
- Bikes
- Motorized vehicles
- Removal of plants, animals, fungi, soils or any other natural material
Enjoying summer on the Mukwonago River at Mukwonago River Oak Barrens. Photo by Jessica Bizub.
What Makes Mukwonago River Oak Barrens Special
Located in Waukesha County, WI, Mukwonago River Oak Barrens supports recovering oak barrens—a rare ecosystem in Southeast Wisconsin. Gradients of moisture and soil chemistry support 299 native vascular plant species and counting among sedge meadow, moist savanna, and oak barrens habitats. The Barrens also supports several rare plants and animals. The Mukwonago River, designated as an exceptional water resource, meanders through the southern part of the property and supports diverse communities of fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Butterfly on milkweed at Mukwonago River Oak Barrens. Photo by Helen Holtz.
How was Mukwonago River Oak Barrens Protected
Pamela Meyer has been caring for the property for decades, working with her neighbors to support the health of the watershed and improve the quality of the habitat on the site. Knowing that the land was special, she has been bringing botanists, biologists, and ecologists to the property over the years so that she can understand the habitat better.
One of those experts was The Prairie Enthusiasts Ecologist, Dan Carter. When the two walked the property together four years ago, Dan immediately saw what Pamela did—an ecosystem exceedingly rare in the region.
“This piece of habitat has survived where so much has been lost to invasive brush and development—there’s almost nothing else like this in Southeastern Wisconsin,” Dan says.
The Prairie Enthusiasts acquired Mukwonago River Oak Barrens in June 2025. This acquisition was made possible through a bequest by Tom Ganfield, Wisconsin’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, and many Members of The Prairie Enthusiasts.
Dan Carter leads a tour through Mukwonago River Oak Barrens in July 2025. Photo by Helen Holtz.
How You Can Help Mukwonago River Oak Barrens
The Glacial Prairie Chapter began working to restore the site in 2023 with the support and active participation from the previous owner, Pamela Meyer. By the time The Prairie Enthusiasts closed on the property in 2025, volunteers had opened up 11 acres of barrens and moist savanna habitat. The Chapter will continue to expand and connect open areas, expanding the area of open savanna habitat adjacent to the Mukwonago River’s wetlands. This process will involve removal of invasive brush and large numbers of planted conifers, prescribed burning, and reintroduction of species that may have been present in the past. Work party activities are held on a near-weekly basis. There are also opportunities to volunteer beyond work parties.
Check out our Events Calendar to see upcoming work parties or contact the site steward to get involved.
Glacial Prairie Chapter volunteers burning brush at Mukwonago River Oak Barrens. Photo by Helen Holtz.
