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Dane County Chapter Hike – Springfield Hill Segment
July 11, 2022 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Photo Credit: Brent Sieling
The Hike
Springfield Hill Segment is currently a small loop trail that can be hiked in either direction. Enjoy the extensive restoration work done if you start your hike to left, with overgrown honeysuckle, buckthorn, and walnut trees have been removed to restore native prairie. The trail ascend to the crest of a hill with a south-facing slope offering dramatic views to the south and west. Summer wildflowers include monarda, spiderwart, and coreopsuis. After descending off the ridge, the segment continues through woods before entering an oak savanna, and then crosses a wooden boardwalk before passing the remains of Frederic Hahn’s log outbuilding dating to the late 19th century. The segment continues along a goat-prairie hillside and passes an old cattle road underpass before returning to the parking lot.
Event Details
Springfield Hill is Dane County Park location hosting a 1.6 mile loop segment of the Ice Age Trail being restored to oak savanna. Mostly full moon will rise just after 7, so should have a nice view during the hike.
Dogs on leash can join. No facilities onsite.
Location
The parking lot entrance is on Ballweg Road, about 1000 ft north of of the intersection with Hightway 12.