Mukwonago/Lulu Lake Master Plan
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is developing a Master Plan for the Kettle Moraine State Forest Mukwonago River Unit and Lulu Lake State Natural Area. The Nature Conservancy will be sharing written comments with the DNR and you can too. Learn more.
A mosaic of forest, wetlands, savannas, rivers, and lakes, the Mukwonago River Watershed is a natural treasure located about 35 minutes from Milwaukee.
The Mukwonago River is one of the cleanest streams in southeastern Wisconsin and provides important habitat for rare fish and mussels. The surrounding landscape is home to a wide array of native plants and wildlife, including sandhill cranes, tree frogs, mink, red fox, butterflies and dragonflies.
Who We Are
The Nature Conservancy is a leading global conservation organization working around the world to protect the land and water on which all life depends.
For centuries, early settlers and their descendents have cared for the lands in the Mukwonago River Watershed, making it one of the highest quality waterways in the state. In 1983, The Nature Conservancy joined that partnership, first protecting and later purchasing the former Milwaukee Boys Club Camp.
Today, the Conservancy owns 1,838 acres within the watershed and has helped to protect an additional 630 acres through its work with individual landowners and partner organizations. A group of dedicated volunteers has been vital in helping staff maintain an active science and land management program.
Our Conservation Goals
Protecting the water quality of and natural areas within the Mukwonago River Watershed.
- Managing our preserves to maintain rare natural communities and provide habitat for fish, mussels, amphibians and reptiles.
- Working with individuals and organizations to promote long-term conservation within the watershed.
- Working to protect the watershed while balancing human needs and economic health in the region.
How We Accomplish Our Goals
Development of conservation partnerships that leverage conservation activities throughout the watershed
- Land acquisition from willing sellers and generous donors.
- Conservation easements (voluntary legal agreements that protect the conservation value of a piece of land by permanently limiting its present and future uses while keeping it in private ownership).
- Land management, such as burn workshops.
Conservancy Natural Areas in the Mukwonago River Watershed
The Conservancy owns 1,838 acres at four preserves in the Mukwonago Watershed, including:
- Crooked Creek Preserve (463 acres)
- Lulu Lake Preserve (553 acres)
- Newell and Ann Meyer Nature Preserve (653 acres)
- Pickerel Lake Fen (169 acres)
The Conservancy has helped protect a total of 2,470 acres in the Mukwonago Watershed. This figure includes lands owned and managed by the Conservancy, conservation easements, government co-ops and assists.
Topographic map of Mukwonago Preserves
How You Can See Our Work
The Nature Conservancy has other preserves around the state that are open for public use for low-impact recreation — hiking, bird-watching, nature study and photography. Deer hunting is allowed at the preserves.
From time to time, we need assistance at our Mukwonago River watershed preserves removing invasive species, planting trees, etc. If you are interested in volunteering to help with land management, please contact our office in East Troy at (262) 642-7276 to be added to our email list for notification of land stewardship work parties.
Nature Conservancy Staff
Debra Bacon, Mukwonago Project Assistant
Sarah Gatzke, Freshwater Strategy Manager
Jerry Ziegler, Mukwonago Land Steward
If you have any questions about The Nature Conservancy's Mukwonago River Watershed project, please call us at (262) 642-7276 or stop by our office on the north end of Pickerel Lake at the end of Pickerel Jay Road.