Hicks Wildlife & Nature Preserve

Announcing Our Newest Preserve!

We're thrilled to announce that today the Hicks Wildlife and Nature Preserve joins the six other preserves owned by the Chippewa County Land Conservancy. 

This 13-acre property lies on the upper reaches of Lake Wissota between Chippewa Falls and Jim Falls. It straddles a beautiful crystal-clear, free-flowing stream that has created a deep and wide valley. It features a gorgeous view of the valley and the lake from the bluffs, a short walk from a cul-de-sac on 120th Ave. The property is all wooded, with a portion of it a pine plantation. 

Sandra Hicks of Broomfield, Colorado, donated the property in honor of Earl and Avis Hicks. She owned this remnant of the original Hicks farm where she and her siblings grew up. Portions of the farm were sold over the decades, but Sandra always knew that this wooded valley and bluffs were exceptional and needed permanent preservation.

In addition to a role as an avian stopover along the Chippewa River corridor, the property's dramatic stream valley connects the river to an extensive woodland lying north of the preserve.

Residential development extends both north and south of the preserve. It highlights the importance this preserve fills, both to provide the means for native wildlife to continue to survive in the area and for the public to enjoy visiting the property forever.

Over time, the Conservancy plans to develop foot trails to facilitate navigating the property for walks, wildlife viewing, or rejuvenation. Access is from a cul-de-sac at approximately 17500 120th Ave, Chippewa Falls WI, and walking west into the woods.

We are so grateful to Sandra Ray for her vision and determination to preserve this property and honored that she has placed her confidence in us as stewards. We're so pleased to have assisted in fulfilling her goals of protecting the property and honoring her parents.

We are also grateful to our members for providing the support and mission that makes this achievement possible.