The 351-acre Lower Mud Lake Natural Resource Area is located south of the Village of McFarland along Hwy AB. Natural Resource Areas are lands designated for the protection of a valuable natural environment, wildlife habitat, open space, and/or greenbelt corridor.
The property protects wildlife habitat and preserves part of the Lower Mud Lake wetlands, a significant environmental feature on the Yahara River, and is adjacent to the following properties:
Dane County Parks is continuing major habitat restoration work at the Lower Mud Lake Natural Resource Area. Along Hidden Farm Road in the Village of McFarland, open lands are being restored to prairie and oak woodland/forest through prescribed burns, invasive species removal and control, and targeted tree and shrub planting. As this restoration moves forward, Dane County Parks will be adjusting the trail system on the property so it better supports the area’s long-term ecological health. Planning and completing these trail changes will take time. In the meantime, trails that were previously mowed will no longer be. Once new trail routes are identified, Dane County Parks will maintain them as needed in keeping with County Parks standards.
