Treasures of Oz

Celebrating the Natural Gems of Ozaukee County

Recreation

Little Menomonee River Fish and Wildlife Preserve

Location: Mequon Show More
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The Little Menomonee River Fish and Wildlife Preserve is a 56.28-acre park that includes 1,900 feet of stream shoreline on the Little Menomonee River. The Department is currently working on master planning for the park that will include picnic areas and walking trails. Three different wetland areas can be seen within the park, each with distinct habitats and functions. There is an ephemeral wooded pool created to provide habitat for amphibians and reptiles, an emergent marsh that provides habitat for fish, and a deeper wetland with open water and marsh that attracts and provides habitat for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Forested wetland and wet prairie habitats are found around the wetlands and provide additional bird habitat. The wildlife habitats within the park make it a great spot for wildlife viewing and photography.

History of the Park

The headwaters of the Little Menomonee River were historically a large wetland, but a straight ditch was excavated through the wetland to improve drainage for agricultural purposes. The property was acquired from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District in 2021. This site was originally identified by the County as high priority for restoration and preservation. Ongoing restoration work by Ozaukee County started in 2019 and these activities have improved the function of the Little Menomonee River by creating a channel that is appropriately sized for its watershed, is connected to a regularly inundated floodplain, and has a self-sustaining, natural meander geometry. The new stream channel provides high quality, diverse in-stream, wetland, wet prairie, and forest habitat for fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, improves water quality, and reduces flooding and erosion risk.

Visit the Ozaukee County website for more information.

Official Page

Habitat Restoration Project

Eco-Tour Details This is a NEW preserve on Mequon Road and Farmdale Road. It was a former sod farm, formerly conserved by MMSD as part of flood control measures, and now owned by Ozaukee County Parks. It just opened to the public. Visit the docents there, walk the trail and take a look at the long-term concepts plan to transform this area back into natural wildlife areas while keeping flood waters at bay. Open noon to 3 with docents
Amenities Parking

Location

9104 W Mequon Rd, 53097, Mequon, Wisconsin