Attractions and Places To See around Belleville - Top 7

This stretch of trail runs through beautiful open prairies, quiet woods, and wetland areas along the Brooklyn Wildlife Segment of the Ice Age Trail. There are grassy sections and boardwalks, with changing wildlife and scenery depending on the season. It’s a calm, easy-to-follow segment that is not too long or rugged, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

In Article III of Mr. Scheidegger's Last Will and Testament it states: "I give all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to the Dane County Park Commission of Dane Connty, Wisconsin for the use by it in the acquisition and maintenance of park lands in the area of the communitiess of Riley, Verona and Mt. Vernon where I was born and raised. I state my preference, but do not require, that this gift be so used in the Town of Verona. It is my hope that this bequest will be remembered as a gift from me'to succeeding generations of Dane County residents who will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of my native land."

Scheidegger County Forest is named in honor of Walter R. Scheidegger who bequeathed over $500,000 to the Dane County Park Commission for the acquisition and maintenance of park lands in the Verona area. A portion of his contribution was used to purchase Scheidegger County Forest and develop it for public use. Thanks to Mr. Scheidegger, the forest will be preserved for future generations to enjoy and experience. Walter R. Scheidegger was born in Riley in 1915. He attended Verona High School and worked for the Madison Kipp Corporation and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Physical Plant. Mr. Scheidegger passed away in February of 2001. His obituary stated "Mr. Scheidegger was very proud of his Swiss heritage and enjoyed hunting." Friends of Walter said that he enjoyed rides in the country and the beauty of Dane County, especially the Verona area.

With the absence of periodic fires, that occurred during pre-settlement of this region, maintaining a healthy forest now requires active management through occasional timber harvests. Scheidegger County Forest is managed primarily as an oak/hickory forest community with a goal of maintaining species and age diversity. The forest was thinned in 2009. Poor quality and high-risk trees were removed and all of the aspen, elm, red maple, black locust and cottonwood trees were harvested as well. Areas where black locust were dominant were cleared and planted with a mix of black walnut, red oak, white oak, black cherry, and shagbark hickory. Groves of aspen were harvested for pulp and large black walnut trees were removed to create canopy gaps that will allow greater sunlight penetration and help establish a diverse, native forest community. High-quality oak and hickory trees were left for future parent trees, which will also aid in the natural regeneration of the forest. The forest will continue to be monitored to determine whether it should be thinned again.

1. Parks are open from 5:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. daily. 2. Dogs must be on an 8' or shorter leash and waste must be picked up and removed from the park. All dog owners must purchase a dog permit to bring their dog into a County park. 3. All trash must be removed from the park. 4. Bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails. Dane County Parks Division 1 Fen Oak Court Room 208 Madison, WI 53718 608-224-3730 (TDD) www.countyofdane.com/lwrd/parks In case of emergency dial 911.

This nearly 80-acre property was designated as a County Forest in 2003 and is managed according to a DR Forest Stewardship Management Plan that calls for: • Demonstration of sustainable forest management and land stewardship • Management for renewable timber production • Control of invasive exotic species and management for native plant species • Management for wildlife • Recreational opportunities for the general public Picnicking, at the shelter. The shelter may be reserved for special events, contact Dane County Par ks. • Cross Cou: ntry Sküing, trails are not groomed. • Hiking • Snowshoe ing • Foraging i or edible nuts, berries, mushroon 1s. • Group Camping by Special Permit, contact Dane Count ty Parks for more information. •Bowhuntin & by Special Permit, contact Dane County Park's for more information.

Well maintained shelter, plenty of parking, bathroom & educational kiosk nearby.

Well maintained bathroom