Wisconsin is known for its rich tradition of honoring and striving to conserve its valuable natural resources, and Sauk County is one of the best places in the state to explore both our conservation roots and some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful landscapes. Many of these places are cared for and promoted widely to the public by a vibrant community of non-profit environmental organizations based in Sauk County.
We encourage you to EXPLORE THE WIS-CONSERVATION WAY to learn more about Wisconsin’s rich history of natural resource conservation and see some of Wisconsin’s most iconic landscapes along the way.
Exhibits at the Flyways Waterfowl Experience teach visitors about North American wild waterfowl and habitat protection, duck stamp and waterfowl art and environmental history. You can also enjoy a short show in the Duck Blind Theater and try out the virtual laser arcade. For 2014, Flyways’ feature exhibit is “The Mighty Tundra Swan”. Flyways Gift Shop also has a variety of unique waterfowl themed gifts and home décor for outdoor enthusiasts.
At Fairfield Marsh, a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Waterfowl Production Area, you can see habitat management practices in action; hiking, fishing and hunting is allowed on this federally managed property.
At the Aldo Leopold Foundation, start your visit at the Leopold Center and hike the trails, view exhibits or take a tour of Aldo Leopold’s Shack and Farm, a National Historic Landmark that inspired his famous land ethic philosophy.
At the International Crane Foundation (ICF), learn about the work ICF does worldwide to conserve all 15 species of cranes. View live crane exhibits, enjoy guided and self-guided tours, our visitor center and nature shop and over four miles of nature trails set among 100 acres of restored tall grass prairie, oak savanna and wetlands.
