Colfax Red Cedar Preserve & Recreation Area

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Colfax Red Cedar Preserve & Recreation Area A volunteer-run nature preserve along the Red Cedar River in Colfax with walking trails, river access, fishing, kayaking, and free community events.

Thank you to all the families, volunteers, and presenters who helped make Science Day such a success this year. It was w...
07/28/2026

Thank you to all the families, volunteers, and presenters who helped make Science Day such a success this year. It was wonderful to see so many kids exploring, learning, and enjoying the preserve.

We hope to see everyone again next year!

Did you know?As part of prairie restoration at Colfax Red Cedar Preserve, controlled burns are conducted to burn built-u...
07/13/2026

Did you know?

As part of prairie restoration at Colfax Red Cedar Preserve, controlled burns are conducted to burn built-up fuel from leftover plant growth and help control cool-season grasses and other undesirable species.

Burn breaks are mowed to create safe boundaries that allow these burns to be conducted in a controlled manner.

Pictured is a recently completed burn break created by UW–Stout volunteers!

Some mornings at the Preserve are just too beautiful not to share. Thank you to Mark Mosey for capturing this beautiful ...
07/04/2026

Some mornings at the Preserve are just too beautiful not to share. Thank you to Mark Mosey for capturing this beautiful sunrise!

Have you experienced a sunrise at the preserve?

Have you stopped & checked out the board at Colfax Red Cedar Preserve lately?Mark Mosey updates it regularly with what’s...
06/26/2026

Have you stopped & checked out the board at Colfax Red Cedar Preserve lately?

Mark Mosey updates it regularly with what’s blooming, which birds have been spotted, and other interesting things happening around the preserve. It’s a fun way to see what’s happening in nature before you head out on the trails!

Next time you’re out exploring, take a minute to check the board and see what you can spot. We’d love to hear what you find!

Science at the Preserve!This past Saturday Mark Mosey led elementary school students in a discussion about phenology and...
05/20/2026

Science at the Preserve!
This past Saturday Mark Mosey led elementary school students in a discussion about phenology and they found what was to be seen, heard, and occasionally touched this time in May at the Preserve.
Paul Verdon showed and talked about local fish then handed out fishing poles so kids could try catching what he had just described.
Keith Gilland and Julia Chapman (not pictured) pointed out the good and the ugly (aka invasive) shrubs and trees followed by having the young science explorers plant native shrubs. They later selected a native shrub they could plant at their homes.
And, watching from the side lines was Chad the Turtle, named by three young scientists who found Chad by the fishing pier.
The Science Exploration Day ended with a lunch for all provided by Kyle's Market. Thanks to Nick at Kyles for a tasty lunch. And thanks to our teachers Mark Mosey, Paul Verdon, Keith Gilland and Julia Chapman who made for an interesting and fun way to enjoy science at the Preserve.

We are so excited by the turnout for this year’s Science Day at the Preserve. We officially hit our limit of 45 kids, an...
05/14/2026

We are so excited by the turnout for this year’s Science Day at the Preserve. We officially hit our limit of 45 kids, and registration is now CLOSED.

Seeing this much excitement from families in our community has been incredible and makes us even more excited for future events and programs at the preserve.

In order to make sure all participants have a fun, hands on, and positive experience, we made the decision to cap registration at 45 children so we can give everyone the attention and experience they deserve.

Thank you to everyone who signed up, shared the event, and supported it. We truly appreciate it and can’t wait for a great day out at the preserve on Saturday!

If you missed this year’s event, make sure to follow along on our page for future programs and events throughout the year. We’re already looking forward to next year’s Science Day.

A lot of behind-the-scenes work has been happening out at the Preserve this spring! Volunteers including Keith, Harrison...
04/08/2026

A lot of behind-the-scenes work has been happening out at the Preserve this spring!

Volunteers including Keith, Harrison, Paul, Mike, and Mark have been clearing invasive species like buckthorn and removing diseased trees along the river and entry road.

It may not look like much at first glance, but this work is what allows native plants and wildlife to come back and thrive!

New shrubs and oak trees will be planted in these areas in the coming months, continuing the effort to restore the natural habitat.

If you haven’t been out lately, it’s a great time to take a walk and see the changes for yourself!

Our FREE Science Exploration Day is coming back to the Preserve!! Join us Saturday, May 16 from 8:30 to 12:30 for a free...
04/03/2026

Our FREE Science Exploration Day is coming back to the Preserve!!

Join us Saturday, May 16 from 8:30 to 12:30 for a free morning of hands-on learning out in nature.

There will be guided sessions throughout the morning where kids can explore topics like fish, plants, and seasonal changes, all led by local volunteers and educators. Each session is about 50 minutes long, with options at 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00.

All ages are welcome, but activities are especially geared toward elementary-aged kids. Parents are encouraged to attend with younger children.

Lunch will be provided around noon, thanks to a generous donation from Kyles Market in Colfax!

This is a great opportunity for kids to learn outside, ask questions, and spend time exploring the preserve in a hands-on way.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4sPg3Sn
Or call/text: 715-308-9397

If you know a family that would enjoy this, feel free to share this with them.

Address

E8509 State Road 170
Colfax, WI
54730

Opening Hours

Monday 5am - 10pm
Tuesday 5am - 10pm
Wednesday 5am - 10pm
Thursday 5am - 10pm
Friday 5am - 10pm
Saturday 5am - 10pm
Sunday 5am - 10pm

Telephone

+17159624010

Website

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