To log this Virtual Cache, you must visit this site personally and complete the following task. Take a picture of the big road sign that says CLCF NORDIC Hike, Ski & Snowshoe which is located at the entrance to the parking lot with either yourself or your geocaching name written on something in the picture and post it in your found it log. This Fox Hill Nature Preserve is near and dear to earth angel's heart as she grew up on Little Cedar lake just one mile from here, and this road was a good road to train on for both running and biking due to all the hills! Another side note, before this land was donated to the Preserve, earth angel's dad and brothers would hunt this land for deer. Lastly, If you plan to hike the trails when there's snow on the ground, please stay off the groomed cross-country ski trails. Thanks! All CLCF land is open to the public. Enjoy reading about this very special jewel of land!
Fox Hill Nature Preserve
An Ecological Jewel in the Heart of the Kettle Moraine
Fox Hill Nature Preserve is a 128-acre preserve located in the heart of Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine region between the State’s northern and southern forest units. This property has excellent glacial features, such as kames and moraines, which can be discovered on various geological and biological feature signs during a self-guided hike.
Fox Hill Nature Preserve has more than 5 miles of hiking, snowshoeing, and X-country ski trails, all for public enjoyment. The preserve also includes a native prairie with over 50 varieties of tall grass species, surrounded by mesic hardwood forests and wetlands.
In the springtime, the woods of the Fox Hill Nature Preserve are alive with flowers and bird song as the wildlife chorus returns to the land. In the upland forest are some of the finest ephemeral wetlands in Washington County. These ponds temporarily hold water in the spring and early summer and are critical for the successful breeding of amphibians and invertebrates. This is an ideal time and place to quietly listen for the calls of Spring Peepers.
In Autumn, take a walk on a crisp morning as the trees begin to dial up hues of gold and red. The prairie is ablaze with flowers, and the hillside maples and oaks are glowing with a changing palette. There are several old apple trees in the orchard; grab a heritage apple and take a bite of sunshine.
X-Country Skiing
Expertly groomed Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation (CLCF) Nordic trails are located on the Preserve. The ancient kettle moraine landscape with its rolling terrain, combined with classic ski and skate lanes, allows you to cruise smoothly through the woods.
History
The Fox Hill Nature Preserve is comprised of five individual land parcels, purchased in 1992, 1993, 1995, 1998 and 2002.
Parking
Parking is available at 4214 Sleeping Dragon Road, West Bend, WI 53095, which is approximately half a mile east of Highway NN.
There are trail markers and a trail map to help guide you on a hike through this ecological jewel. We hope to see you on the trails!
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.