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In 1999, my grandfather, Art Pope, sold most of his farm to the town of Middleton so it could be turned into a farm park. My father, Mel Pope, worked with the town of Middleton to convert 105 acres from farmland into a beautiful park that accomplishes the goals they set forth when planning its design:
1) To encourage all Town of Middleton residents, including those with special needs, to enjoy the tremendous variety of features offered by Pope Farm Park. 2) To preserve and enhance the views, vistas, agriculture, natural vegetation, geology, and the history of the park. 3) To provide educational opportunities for Town of Middleton students by providing lesson plans, field trips and interactive projects. 4) To balance agriculture, restored prairie, geology, history, and beautiful views and vistas to maximize interest and uniqueness in the park. 5) To put in place a basic infrastructure that can be easily upgraded over time as increased demand requires.
I included a Pope Farm Park brochure and additional park information below. Though there is plenty of information, the park is something that you need to experience. The next time you are in the Madison area make sure to stop by Pope Farm Park. It is a fantastic place to spend some time and I believe it has something for everyone. I couldn't be prouder of my family for making it a reality. |
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Table of Contents
III. Points
of Interest/Signage at Pope Farm Park.
B. Restored
Prairie/Oak Savannah
IV. Summary
of Passive Park Study/ Dane County
A. Figure
2 Entrance 1.4 acres
B. Figure
2 Eastern Restored Prairie (South Portion)
C. Figure
2 Eastern Restored Prairie (Grassy Knoll)
D. Figure
2 Eastern Restored Prairie (North)
E. Figure
2 Manicured Overlook
F. Figure
2 Horticulture/Agricultural Gardens 1.5 Acres
G. Figure
2 Active Wheat Field 5.3 Acres
H. Figure
2 Active Alfalfa Field 8.7 Acres
I. Figure
2 Active Barley Field 5.9 Acres
J. Figure
2 Active Corn Field 12 Acres
K. Figure
2 Natural Grassland and Wild Flowers 5.7 Acres
L. Figure
2 Oak Forest Restoration 5 Acres
N. Figure
2 Oak Savannah 6.4 Acres
O. Figure
2 Oak Savannah 1.6 Acres
Q. Breakdown
of Vegetation Plan
Implementation Plan and Schedule
VII. Access,
Parking, Facilities
Black Earth Creek Valley Viewing Point
Twin Valley Entrance Alternative
VIII. Validation
of Master Plan
Cost of producing the Master Plan.
XV Additional
Implementation Items
XVI. More About
the Master Plan
I. History of Pope Farm Park
The Town of
The park lies between Old Sauk,
In 2002, Steve Siodlarz, a University of Wisconsin-Madison
senior in Landscape Architecture, took on
In April of 2004 the Park Commission appointed the Pope Farm Park Development Committee (PFPDC) to work on a master plan for the park. The plan, once completed, would then go to the Park Commission for approval before moving on to the Town Board for consideration. Eleven thousand dollars was made available to the PFPDC to fund the creation of the master plan.
In March 2004, Brad Ryan, Park Commission member, offered a vision of the park that complimented most viewpoints from the public and Park Commission input. The Park Commission members supported this concept. Brad’s vision was that on the west side of the stone fence, the park would be kept as passive as possible. On the east side of the stone fence, an access road, parking, restrooms, water, and public viewing areas would exist, and would be the more active portion of the park. There would be minimum structures west of the stone fence and none in the central portion of the park.
The PFPDC started with this concept, then developed a planning process to be used (See Exhibit 1). The process laid out the way in which we would develop the Master Plan for the park, including the review by the Park Commission at each step of the plan.
The PFPDC reviewed the Steve Siodlarz plan mentioned earlier in the report. In addition, we interviewed Steve Siodlarz to ascertain the process he used to draw up his plan. Steve was helpful and provided us insight on how he developed his plan, and is to be commended for a successful Capstone Project.
The PFPDC also conducted three primary research projects to help form the factual basis of the master plan.
The first two research projects were done in tandem. One of
these research projects was to explore what
The second research project was to survey all passive parks
over 3 acres in size within
After reviewing the Siodlarz plan, public input, Brad Ryan’s
vision, the inventory of the “points of interest” that existed in the park, and
what other parks in the county have to offer, the PFPDC set forth its goals and
vision and defined how the park would be positioned among other passive parks
in
The third area of primary research was to validate the
plan. To do this, we had seventeen
teachers from the Middleton Cross Plains School District (MCPSD) tour
III. Points
of Interest/Signage at Pope
Farm Park
The following is an inventory of the “Points of Interest” at
Lloyd Pray Professor Emeritus, Geology and Geophysics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Dr. John Attig Professor,
Glacier Story Illustration Figure 1 (Node 1) #1
About every 100,000 years, for much of the last million years,
huge glaciers called ice sheets have expanded to cover much of northern
About 26,000 years ago, a huge sheet of ice, the Laurentide
Ice Sheet, advanced into
Recessional Moraine Illustration Figure 1 (Node 1) #3
As climate warmed, the margin of the ice sheet slowly retreated to the north. As it retreated, its margin would sometimes stay in one spot for a number of years and a ridge of rock material of all sizes, from clay to boulders, accumulated along the ice margin. This ridge, a recessional moraine, marks a place the glacier paused in its retreat. There is another recessional moraine inn the park. Can you find it?
What would this area have looked like 15,000 years
ago? Sketch Figure 1 #4
This sketch shows what it might have looked like here during
the glacial period. There was a lake, called glacial
Watersheds Figure 1 #5
About 14,000 years ago, when the glacier was here, there was a
great deal of melt water. About 50 yards southwest of where you are standing,
water flowed in three different directions into three different
watersheds. To the south, water flows
toward the
Stone Fence Figure 1 #6
These stones were brought here from
Rhyolite Figure 1 #7
Rhyolite is found here in the stone fence. This reddish rock with gray spots is a
volcanic rock that comes from an east-west trending band of rock that forms part
of the Keweenaw Peninsula and extends eastward beneath Lake Superior. These pieces of rhyolite probably came from
under what is eastern
You are standing on the second recessional moraine in
“Recessional Moraine” Figure
1 #9
This hillside is on a recessional moraine where the glacier edge paused, and boulders, pebbles, and soil accumulated to form a ridge. You can see the rocks on the hillside today. Water carried much silt, sand, and gravel out into the fields to your right, making them easy to cultivate because there are few rocks. This is why the stone fence stops along the hillside.
B.
Restored Prairie/Oak Savannah
Mike Anderson, President, Biologic
Restored Dry Mesiac Prairie Figure
1 #10
In this dry mesiac prairie the soil is rather dry most of the time. Mesic means the dampness of the soil. What plants do you see growing here? Feel the soil. How does it feel – wet or dry? Does it crumble or bind together? How deep do you think the roots go?
Restored Mesiac Prairie Figure
1 #11
The prairie
is a community of many different grasses, wild flowers, insects and animals
that are native to
Restored Oak
The oak savannah is the area where the prairie meets the
Oak
This was a grove of Black Locust trees. Black Locust trees are very invasive in nature, and were removed. In their place, we are growing natural grasses among widely spaced oak trees.
The CCC
planted these Black Locusts in the 1930’s.
At the time, it was thought they would prevent erosion. However, today we know that they are
extremely invasive and do not prevent erosion.
Currently we are slowly restoring this Black Locust Forest to an
Art Peterson, Professor
Emeritus, Agricultural Landscaping & Soil Science,
Jim Hinrichs, President, Hinrichs Farms
Tom Wright, Superintendent,
Tom Grade, Director, Agracetus Operations
Soy Bean Field Figure
1 #15
This is a field of soybeans. Notice the shape and color of the leaves. This plant will have flowers that are either white or purple. Once the flower dies, a seedpod will form on the plant with 2-3 seeds. The plant will turn yellow and the farmer will harvest it. Soybeans are divided and processed into many different foods - from animal feed to food for humans, including bread, cheese, and potato chips. It is also processed and used in the making of cosmetics, paint, and rubber.
Cornfield Figure
1 #16
Corn is a very old crop. It is also called maize, and is a very important crop throughout the world. Corn supplies our bodies and livestock with needed proteins and starch that give the body energy. It is also used as a petrol chemical substitute, and more recently for biodegradable plastic. Farmers will plant this crop in the spring, and harvest it in the late fall.
Alfalfa Field Figure
1 #17
Alfalfa may also be called Hay and is a legume crop that is related to the pea family. This crop comes up every year, has a purplish flower, and can grow up to 3 feet tall. In late spring, the farmer will cut this hay, and either chop it to be a put into silos, or bale it for livestock to eat in the winter. When sheep and cattle eat hay, they get the minerals, proteins, and vitamins needed to be healthy. The farmer will harvest this crop at least two to three times per year.
Wheat Field Figure
1 #18
Did you eat something today that had wheat in it? Wheat is the world’s most important crop. It belongs to the grass family. Wheat gives our bodies and livestock many important nutrients for living. This is a crop that farmers plant in the spring and harvest in the fall.
Barley Field Figure
1 #19
It is hard to tell barley and wheat apart. Barley has a stiff beard on the seeds and wheat doesn’t. Barley is used mainly for livestock feed, but it can also be used for making beer, liquor, malted milk and some foods such as cereal.
Rye Field Figure
1 #20
Sorghum Field Figure
1 #21
Sorghum is a cereal grass that has the grain in the stem. Several varieties of sorghum are grown for the sweet juice yielded by the stems, in making sugar and syrup. It can also be harvested by the farmers and stored in their silos for livestock feed during winter.
Erosion Control Figure
1 #22
Art Peterson, Professor
Emeritus, Agricultural Landscaping & Soil Science,
Jack Densmore Former Forester, C.C.C. and S.C.S.
The ravine at the bottom of the hill to your right was moving up this hillside because of erosion. In the 1930’s, the C.C.C. planted Black Locust Trees in the ravine, and built a spillway in 1938 to stop this hillside from eroding away. The farmers plant crops going sideways across this hillside in efforts to slow erosion. Recently no-till methods of planting have been used to help in this effort. Erosion has largely been contained on this hillside and crop production per acre has increased at the same time. Our environment is important.
Jim Dahlk, Lifetime
Resident of the Town of
Jack Densmore, Former Forester, C.C.C. and S.C.S.
Art Peterson Professor
Emeritus, Agricultural Landscape & Soil Science,
Art Pope, Professor
Emeritus, Meat and Animal Science,
The CCC Spillway Figure 1 #23
This spillway was built in 1938. The purpose of this reinforced concrete structure is to stop the gully from continuing to cut into the hillside. It has a rectangular channel and a stilling basin to reduce the speed of the runoff. They are usually located at the cutting edge (top) of the gully with very little storage runoff. However, just cutting the velocity of the water flow in half, reduces the sediment carrying capacity by 64 times!!!
The chute spill way is a concrete open channel with steep slope in which flow is carried at supercritical velocities. It usually consists of an inlet, vertical curve section, steep-sloped channel, stilling basin and outlet. Flow passes through the inlet, and down the paved channel to the deflectors in the floor of the outlet.
To illustrate a good soil conservation practice to UW Soil and Water Conservation classes, this structure was used as a teaching stop on field trips from 1946 to 1994.
Who was the C.C.C.? Figure 1 #24
The Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) was one of the attempts
by President Franklin Roosevelt to meet the needs of our country during the
great depression. Congress enacted it on
Farmers receiving CCC assistance were cooperators with the project. They, along with SCS technicians, developed control plans for their properties, and the CCC provided the manpower. The CCC was dissolved in 1942 when the men found work in the U.S. Army and industries in World War II.
Hard Work Figure 1 #25
Each spring frost would heave new stones to the surface, and the farmers would have to move these stones to this wall before they could plant their crops. The farmers would use a “Stone Boat” pulled by horses or a tractor to carry the stones to this stone fence.
Native Americans Figure 1 #26
(Will fill in here)
Young Thoughts Figure 1 #27
West Middleton, and Sunset Ridge Teachers
West Middleton, and
History of the Town of
The Town of
1880 Plat Map Figure 1 (Plat Map) (Node 4)
#29
This plat map of the Town of
These Points of Interest give the visitor to
IV. Summary
of Passive Park Dane County
In order to properly position
This study does not include private lands with public access,
hunting lands, DNR lands, and the newly announced Dane County purchase of the
Swanson Farm, less than one mile from Pope Farm Park. All of these areas provide ever more choices
of woodlands, restored prairies, and wetlands to residents of
The acreages of vegetation types are best estimate approximations in response to our survey. The acreage breakdown is illustrated below, and the detail of the illustration is contained in Exhibit 3 at the back of the report.
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Summary of Passive Parks over 3
Acres in |
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Type |
Total Acreage |
Total Number of Parks |
Total Acreage Restored Prairie |
Number of Parks with Prairie |
Total Acreage Woodlands |
Number of Parks with |
Total Acreage Water & Wetlands |
Number of Parks with Water/Wetlands |
Total Acreage Natural &
Agricultural |
Number of Parks with Natural and
Agricultural Land |
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Townships |
526 |
18 |
62 |
7 |
140 |
10 |
142 |
3 |
145 |
7 |
|
|
Village |
684 |
26 |
247 |
10 |
165 |
14 |
170 |
9 |
70 |
6 |
|
|
City
(Less |
572 |
15 |
63 |
9 |
350 |
7 |
134 |
8 |
20 |
2 |
|
|
|
1,581 |
13 |
213 |
7 |
380 |
12 |
879 |
3 |
10 |
1 |
|
|
County |
6,844 |
31 |
1529 |
13 |
1,307 |
11 |
2,383 |
18 |
559 |
6 |
|
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State |
2,243 |
4 |
590 |
3 |
1,133 |
4 |
120 |
2 |
288 |
1 |
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Miscellaneous |
1,281 |
2 |
212 |
2 |
766 |
2 |
303 |
2 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals |
13,730 |
109 |
2,916 |
51 |
4,241 |
60 |
4,131 |
45 |
1,092 |
23 |
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There are tremendous choices for woodlands, prairie
restorations, water, and wetlands available in the 109
Donald Park: Agricultural fields exist, but are being held until further plans can develop.
Schumacher Farm: Primarily showing the historical nature of agricultural equipment and prairie restoration.
Silverwood: This farm was donated to
None of the 109 parks surveyed featured wheat, corn, oats,
barley, soybeans, alfalfa or sorghum in their vegetation scheme. These crops are a very important part of our
history, especially to the Town of
We asked ourselves, where would kids be able to walk through a
hay field or a wheat field 15 years from now?
We suggest that they will be able to do this at
The other major aspect from this research is that
Combining our rich history in agriculture, plus prairie,
woodlands, geology, land formation, history, and spectacular views, will make
After
completing the first two primary research projects, we know what
1)
To encourage all Town of
2) To preserve and enhance the views, vistas, agriculture, natural vegetation, geology, and the history of the park.
3)
To provide educational opportunities for Town of
4) To balance agriculture, restored prairie, geology, history, and beautiful views and vistas to maximize interest and uniqueness in the park.
5) To put in place a basic infrastructure that can be easily upgraded over time as increased demand requires.
Pope Farm Park
The combination of agriculture, natural vegetation, geology,
history, and the spectacular viewpoints will make
Mike Anderson President, Biologic
Jim Hinrichs President, Hinrichs Farms
Tom Grade Director, Agrecetus Operations
Tom Wright Superintendent,
Art Peterson Professor
Emeritus, Agricultural Landscaping & Soil Science,
As we were conducting the two primary research projects on the
Park, we enlisted Mike Anderson, President of Biologic, to put together an
ecological restoration plan for certain portions of
The entrance will have manicured lawn surrounding the parking lot, roadways, signage, and white board fence.
The eastern prairie will comprise approximately 21 acres. We have broken this large prairie down into three components (B, C, and D). All three parcels will have separate preparation and planting schedules. A description of this area can be seen on page 11 in Biologic’s report (Exhibit 4). Parcel B should be prepared in the spring of 2005.
During the summer construction activity will take place to
build the road and upper parking lot in this area. During this time, the parcel should be
treated with herbicide so when construction ends, it can be planted to restored
prairie (probably fall of 2005). This
parcel is primarily Mesiac Prairie, and will have expensive seed to emphasize
wild flowers to enhance the view from
This grassy area should have preparation started in the spring
of 2005, and probably have several treatments before planting. Hopefully planting could occur in the spring
of 2006. The description of this parcel
can be seen in Biologic’s report on page 11 (Exhibit 4). It will surround the manicured
This area of Restored Prairie would be prepared in the spring of 2006 with planting in the fall of 2006. This land is currently agricultural and is reviewed in Biologic’s report on page 11 (Exhibit 4).
The planting methods, seed type, and other pertinent factors are outlined in Biologic’s report. We have assumed that Biologic would actually do the preparation, planting, and maintenance of all the prairies, and oak savannah in the park. This assumption is reflected in the costs shown on page 27 in Biologic’s report (Exhibit 4). This is also reflected in our initial budget on page 42 of this master plan.
This is a
manicured area overlooking
This narrow field west of the stone fence will be used for horticulture gardens or gardens for non-profit fund-raisers. Currently we are working with various community organizations to ascertain an on-going interest in this project. It will have a farm theme conducive to the grand entrance that lies on the east side of the stone fence.
Although this is an active wheat field, the crop will be rotated. Interpretive signage identifying this crop will be on the east side of the field.
Although this field is listed as an active alfalfa field, the crop will be rotated with other crops. Interpretive signage identifying this will be on the east side of the field.
Although this field is listed as an active barley field, the crop will be rotated with other crops. Interpretive signage identifying this will be on the east side of the field.
J. Figure 2 Active Corn Field 12 Acres
Although this field is listed as an active cornfield, the crop will be rotated with other crops. Interpretive signage identifying this will be on the east side of the field.
This field is described on page number 7 in Biologic’s report, (Exhibit 4). After conferring with Wayne Pauly, Naturalist for Dane County Parks, we propose to put this field in natural grasses, and wild flowers. It would need to be prepared as if we were going to plant restored prairie. We will ask that this be supervised by Bioligic, and have Mr. Pauly continue to advise us on this process.
L.
Figure 2 Oak Forest
The current Black Locust Forest will be revised as follows:
The northern portion will be cut down and replanted with cool
season grasses, wild flowers, and low-growing trees. This will improve the
The southern portion of the Black Locust Forest will slowly be cut back, and oak trees will be planted in their place. This will be a very long-term project, and will take many years. It will continue to have a semblance of forest, but subtly over time, it will become oak. There is educational value in this as well, and interpretive signage will show our progress.
This area is discussed on Page 15 of the Biologic Plan (Exhibit 4). Note we have extended the cornfield to the fence line in efforts to control the canary grass. The fence line should be cleaned out per Biologic’s plan.
N.
Figure 2 Oak
Savannah
The northern portion of this Oak Savannah will be extended to the northwest, and feature savannah grass.
The Oak Savannah portion running east-west is sitting on what was a recessional moraine. We want to put this into some type of native habitat. We are concerned that if the habitat is too tall, the outline of the ridge would be lost. Therefore, Wayne Pauly suggested that we test several different plots of habitat on the hillside to see what is appropriate. We want this habitat to be no more than knee high. We will have Biologic conduct this process with input from Wayne Pauly. In addition, we will plant trees along the hillside to replace the oak trees that have been lost to continue this unique area. We have lost a tree per year for the last 50 years at this location and it is beginning to show. We will plant trees, and “tube” them for protection.
O.
Figure 2 Oak
Savannah
We want to cut down the locust trees, and make this into an Oak Savannah. In the plan submitted by Biologic, an assumption was made that the black locust grove would be left in tact. However, by creating this savannah, the park visitor can walk between two separate oak savannahs. Oak trees exist on the north end of this grove today, and they would be left as part of the savannah.
P. Figure 2 (Q & R) 27 Acres
Since the Biologic Plan has been completed, we have accumulated a great deal of information. We have decided to put these two fields in abeyance for 6-7 years. There are several reasons for this.
First, we want the opportunity to see how effective our master plan is in drawing visitors to the park. Variety is a very important component to the teachers who analyzed the master plan. Taking out two different fields of crops could have a negative impact. We will know how effective our plan is in 6-7 years.
Second, we are going to undergo a substantial prairie restoration project totaling approximately 26 acres, and another 8 acres of Oak Savannah. We want to evaluate how well we have done on this restoration project before we contemplate more. We are also interested in the cost to prepare, plant, and maintain it. We will know the answer to these questions in 6-7 years.
Third, the county is currently working on a 300-acre park, the
Swanson property, less than a mile from these two fields. In keeping with a balanced approach, we want
to see how the plan for this park unfolds.
For instance, students might go on a morning field trip to the county
park to study water ecology along Black Earth Creek, and wet mesiac prairie and
plant life. In the afternoon, they might
go to
In the interim, this land will have two major field crops generating rental revenue for the town.
Park
Size 105.3
Acres
Less
Abeyance 27.0 Acres
Master
Plan to Date 78.3 Acres
Wheat Field (rotated) 5.3 Acres
Alfalfa Field (rotated) 8.7 Acres
Barley Field (rotated) 5.9 Acres
Corn Field (rotated) 12.0 Acres
Mesiac Prairie (East) 19.0 Acres
Dry Mesiac Prairie (East) 2.0 Acres
Mesiac Prairie (Central) 3.8 Acres
Oak
Oak
Grassland/Wildflowers 5.7 Acres
Horticulture/Garden 1.5 Acres
Manicured Entrance 1.4 Acres
Master
Plan to Date 78.3
Acres
Overall, the implementation plan reflects the comments of
Wayne Pauly. It is important to go
slowly and do it right.
It is important to note that the Biologic Plan (Exhibit 4)
primarily revolves around prairie restoration.
On page 27 of this Plan (Exhibit 4) under estimated cost, there is a
line item that includes “consulting services.”
This will be used to have Biologic advise on
brush removal, etc. if the Town of
In addition, we have included an addendum (Exhibit 5) that lays out the maintenance cost of the prairie if done by Biologic. We have included these costs as part of the financial plan. If volunteers or others do some of this work, these maintenance costs could be reduced.
Tom Wright, Superintendent, West Madison Agricultural Research
for University of Wisconsin – Madison, toured the park and expressed great
interest in farming the crops long term.
The fields that they currently farm are less than a mile from
Some of the oak trees that were planted around the Park, as part of a nursery effort, will need to be replanted. 3,000 of these trees were planted, and as of September 2004, there were 538 trees still living. Unfortunately, many of these trees will have a negative impact on the viewing corridors and the trail landscape. Some areas of the Park will need trees, but not as many as currently exist in the nursery areas.
The Park Commission gave their positive input to this
vegetation plan on
Implementation Plan and Schedule
|
Area |
Start Site Preparation |
Plant |
Comments |
|
R-Western Field Eroded Knolls |
Not Needed |
Spring 2005 |
Need to prevent run-off as soon as possible |
|
Brushy Fence Lines |
Winter 2004-2005 |
|
Remove trees other than oak, hickory and scattered other species, remove all exotic shrub |
|
Fence line north of Oak Savannah |
Winter 2004-2005 |
|
Clear trees and brush |
|
Prairie East (B) South |
Spring 2005 |
Fall 2005 |
Biologic to do |
|
Prairie East (C) Grassy area |
Spring 2005 Fall 2005 |
Spring 2006 |
Start with herbicide application, Delay planting if weeds are a problem. Biologic to do |
|
Prairie East (D) North |
Spring 2006 |
Fall 2006 |
Biologic to do |
|
Oak North |
Winter 2005-2006 |
|
Clear brush during winter to ease later site preparation |
|
Oak North |
Spring 2006 |
Spring 2007 |
Biologic to do |
|
Oak East-West |
Spring 2006 |
Fall 2007 |
Test Plot only. Plant when comfort level. Biologic to do |
|
Oak |
Winter 2006-2007 |
|
Cut locust trees, spray stumps with Garlon 4 and remove |
|
Oak |
Spring 2007 |
Spring 2008 |
Biologic to do |
|
Oak Restoration (L) North |
Winter 2006-2007 |
|
Cut locusts to improve view of |
|
Oak Restoration (L) North |
Spring 2007 |
Spring 2007 |
Plant low trees, wild flowers, and cool grasses |
|
Oak Restoration (L) South |
Winter 2004-2005 |
|
Cut smaller locusts coming out into the field to the east |
|
Oak Restoration (L) South |
Winters 2005-2006 |
Spring 2007 |
Cut down 10’ of black locusts in winter and replenish with oak in the spring |
|
Prairie Central (P) |
Fall 2006 |
Fall 2007 |
Start with herbicide application, delay planting until ready. Biologic to do |
|
Natural Grasslands and Wild Flowers (K) |
Fall 2005 |
Fall 2006 |
Biologic to do with input from Wayne Pauly |
|
All |
Ongoing |
|
General Control of exotic species as they are found to prevent their spread |
Artist Rendering of Grand Entrance to
Grand Entrance
The grand entrance is located on the east side of the stone
fence along
The landscaping will be manicured, and a planting of
wildflowers will be on one side of the entrance road, with the
Lower Parking Lot
The lower parking lot will have 18 stalls, and be utilized by Park users in the winter, dog-walkers, and people who want to hike from the entrance. The parking lot will have a backdrop of the stone fence that will be built as a landscaping feature. To the west of the stone wall horticultural gardens or agricultural gardens will play on the agricultural theme.
Road to the Upper Parking Lot
The road to the upper larking lot continues on to the northeast and goes around the hillside as to minimize visibility of the roadway itself. As the road meanders along the lowlands, it suddenly turns to the west up to the upper parking lot.
Upper Parking Lot
The upper parking lot has 20 spaces and will serve as the main
parking lot. This lot will be used by
families with small children, as well as those that want to picnic and enjoy
the views. It is located in a swale toward the Lake Mendota Viewing Point. This swale obscures the view of parked cars
from the west side of the park, and reduces the visibility of parked cars from
Viewing Area Access
A one-way road will circle up to the viewing area from the upper parking lot. This road will go clock-wise as it circles to the viewing area, and then back down to the road. There will be a drop-off point for elderly and disabled people at the Lake Mendota Viewing Point. Handicap parking is available at the top of the hill as necessary. This one-way circle will accommodate school buses, so they can drop off students close to the amphitheatre.
Lake Mendota Viewing Point
The viewing area will have 6-7 picnic tables, and a small gazebo that will be located off the viewing area to the northeast. This gazebo will cover two picnic tables.
Educational Amphitheatre
In the northwest corner of the viewing area, an educational
amphitheatre will face
Artist Rendering of the Educational Amphitheatre
Blackhawk Road
This parking lot is used for pedestrian vehicles and is large enough to accommodate 2 horse trailer units for loading and unloading. The parking lot will have some landscaping in attempts to separate the equestrian and pedestrian users. At this parking lot will be a restroom and water. Both the restroom and water will not be budgeted as part of the initial infrastructure.
Black Earth Creek Valley Viewing Point
This area will have a small gazebo (can cover
two picnic tables) and a small Amphitheatre facing the northwest
with a view down
Twin Valley
This entrance would have a very small parking lot (4
stalls). It is not a priority at this
point unless demand dictates its necessity.
Currently there is a service entrance off
Twin Valley
If the Town of
Twin Valley
This area would feature a gazebo to cover 2 picnic tables.
Service Entrances
There would be service entrances on Old Sauk (on the west side
of the stone fence),
We approached the access, facilities, and parking plans with a “bare bones” concept to get the infrastructure in place in the spring/summer of 2005. As demand dictates, we can upgrade the restrooms, pave where necessary, and expand the parking lots.
The Park Commission gave their positive review on the access,
parking, and facilities plan on
The variety found in the vegetation plan, when blended
together with the geology, land formation, erosion control, agriculture,
history, and spectacular views, yield a tapestry that formed the basis for the
Master Plan for
In an effort to improve and/or validate the master plan, we entered into our third area of primary research.
We invited 17 teachers from the Middleton Cross Plains School
District (MCPSD) to
These 17 teachers represented 276 years of teaching
experience, and most were involved in teaching environmental science. These teachers came from specific schools
that teach Town of
All 17 teachers approved the master plan, but the enthusiastic
way in which they approved it is worth noting.
Many of their suggestions have improved this plan. When they were asked how many field trips
they would take to
The vegetation plan was overwhelmingly approved, as 15 of
these teachers wanted the variety of crops we have included in the Plan. All 17 teachers agreed to review curricula
for
(See Figure 1 at the beginning of the document)
Mark Weaver Community Planner, National Park Service
Gary Whitney Trails
Team, Town of
David Hughes President, Friends of Donald Park
Patrick Cleary Landscape Architect, Vierbicher & Association
Ken Carpenter President, Glacial Drumlin Horsetrail Association
After defining the points of interest, we believe that the existing trail system is very good, but will need some small modifications. An additional trail system would be required at:
·
The eastern boundary of the park between
town-owned land and
· The southern perimeter of the park through Art Pope’s pasture and below the oak savannah
Two landscape architects commented that the long trails next
to the fields give the park its own personality. Both suggested that we reduce the width of
some of the trails (where trees have been planted on either side), which will
give visitors the feeling of walking down a country lane. The trails will be 12-foot wide multi-use trails. This is the same standard used by the State
of
We currently have ___ miles of trails in the park. We have measured the distances of many of the loops for the benefit of our walkers. They are as follows:
Country Walk 10,037 ft
Locust
Inner
We are thinking about having a contest among Middleton students to name the walking trails that we have listed above.
The interpretive signage content is described as a draft storyboard in Section III “Points of Interest.” These 29 signs will be located at appropriate places throughout the park. However, we have tried to use signage nodes in the park wherever possible to limit signage “spread.” We will also have “use” signs at the trailheads to minimize interior signage as well.
· An 8 ½” x 11” sign of the park rules will be posted at each entrance. (See Exhibit 7)
·
In addition, more prominent signs
signifying: park hours, dogs must be on
leash,
· 4” x 4” posts will display use icons that will show the proper uses for the trail system. These will be displayed at the trailhead – however, several will be needed in the interior of the park to prohibit animals in the Lake Mendota Viewing Area, and for Equestrian users on the forest trails.
· Other miscellaneous regulatory signs will be needed, i.e.:
o
“Gate closes at
o “To scenic parking area” (Road to upper parking lot)
o “Parking for dog-walking”
o “Please do not remove stones from stone fence.”
o Forfeitures
· Trail Signage:
o Will show the trail system, and relative mileage. “You are here” will signify how the user might wish to proceed. These trail signs will be at the entrances and throughout the trail system where appropriate. (3 signs in the interior of the park.)
The current estimate for park signage is $14,000. This estimate assumes that the signs will be produced at Badger State Industries and the frames purchased from Best-Ex in Baraboo. The artwork for the signs will be output on vinyl, and then laminated between Lexan and an aluminum backing with high-pressure rollers. These signs, designed for outdoor use, are nonreflective, and UV and vandal resistant. Sizes range from 8½ x 11 inches to 24 x 36 inches.
The signs will be placed in outdoor metal frames. The frames will be mounted to 4” x 4” wood posts at an angle for viewing ease. Recommended mounting height from the bottom edge of the frame to the ground is 32 inches. The frame design is conducive to frequent sign changes, if necessary.
Best-Ex
Interpretive Sign Frame
Given our goals of providing a passive and educational
opportunity at
· Hiking, picnicking, field trips, viewing, cross-country skiing, and work projects for our youth.
· Equestrian use in designated areas.
· Dog walking on leash for responsible visitors who ‘pick up’ after their dog.
Dogs
In the last four years the park has been used by a great number of people as a place to run their dogs. The vast majority of these people are from outside the township. Tolerating dogs off leash give rise to the following concerns:
· Liability Issues: Potential for dog conflict with humans, horses, and other dogs
· Use Conflicts: Uncontrolled dogs are not conducive to children’s field trips, amphitheatre lectures, hiking, and picnicking.
· Wildlife Disturbances: Small grain crops and prairie will encourage native birds to repopulate the park. Dogs off leash will be counterproductive to this effort.
· Increase in Unleashed Dogs: If this is not controlled, the number of people running their dogs will rapidly increase by ‘word of mouth’ because of the shortage of dog parks in the area.
We believe that responsible dog walking is desirable, however if dogs cannot be controlled, dog use in the park should be discontinued. Both equestrian and dog use should continue on a trial basis, and be reviewed periodically.
Animals should not be allowed in the primary viewing area
overlooking
Equestrian users should not use the trail through the forest below the CCC Dam. The trail is confined and given that it is a multi-use trail, it would be too dangerous to allow equestrian use.
Tim Ritter, Lieutenant, Dane Co. Sheriff’s Office
Dave Cattanach, Sergeant, Dane Co. Sheriff’s Office
The
The only vehicle entrance to the interior portion of the Park
will be from
The Dane Co. Sheriff’s Department will have access to the interior park and are encouraged to patrol the park during shift change as much as possible.
Our research shows that
Our strategy will be to concentrate on the MCPSD, and
specifically the schools where Town of
We will also like to produce park brochures and to have a grand opening in order to increase awareness.
Brochures
1 sheet 8 ½ folded to 5 ½ x 8 1/2 will show the Master Plan on the cover, and the interior will highlight what the Park has to offer.
Grand Opening – Fall 2005
After the grand entrance, road, parking lot, and
interpretative signage are complete,
· Many of the experts we have interviewed would be available for tours and discussion.
·
Invite Town of
·
“A Gift from
The ongoing
promotion of
The financial plan gives a three-year projection to bring
Matching funds from the DNR will be utilized for proposed roads and parking in the amount of $55,000.
The second portion of the financial plan deals with ongoing maintenance cost. We do not include general Park maintenance in our numbers. However, we include costs attributed to prairie restoration, including preparation, planting, and maintenance. This will be done by Biologic, and could be reduced by volunteer efforts.
We have designed the master plan to be very flexible for the future. After the initial investment in 2005, the Plan can easily be upgraded or modified, as demand requires.
Facilities Plan
Old Sauk parking can be expanded or paved
Roadway to upper paved lot can be paved
Upper parking lot can be expanded or paved
Blackhawk parking lot can be expanded or paved
Restroom facilities can be upgraded
Vegetation Plan
Agricultural fields could be converted to other types of habitat
Use and Promotion
Can be modified given circumstances
Signage
Can easily be changed given the design we are using for the frames
XVI. More About the Master Plan
The Pope Farm Park Development Committee has met over 22 times, including 5 on-site meetings. We have conducted over 35 on-site tours with experts from different disciplines, including teachers, naturalists, agricultural experts, geologists, and people from our community. Many thanks to the following participants in this process:
* Michael
Anderson President of
Biologic,
* + Dr. John Attig Professor Wisconsin Geology and Natural
History, UW Madison
Dick
Black Interior
Operations Manager,
* + Ken
Carpenter President,
Glacial Drumlin Horsetrail Assoc.
* + Patrick Cleary Landscape Architect, Vierbicher and Associates
* + Jim Hinrichs President,
Hinrichs Farms,
* + David Hughes President,
Friends of Donald Park
Darren Marsh Interim Parks Director,
* + Jim Mathews Teacher,
* + Chuck Oehler President
of the Oehler Group, Past President and Executive Director of the
* +
* + Art Peterson Professor
Emeritus, Agricultural Landscaping & Soil Science, UW Madison
* + Art Pope Previous
owner of
* + Lloyd Pray Professor
Emeritus, Geology, and Geophysics, UW Madison
* + Steve Siodlarz Landscape Architect, Bruce Company
* + Ann Walser Retired
Environmental Ed Teacher, Resident of Town of
* + Mark Weaver Community
Planner, National Park Service
* + Gary
Whitney President,
Western Dane Co. Chapter, Glacial Drumlin Horse Trail Assoc.
* + Tom Wright Superintendent,
* Rod
Zubella President,
Vierbicher and Associates
* + Bill Reis Superintendent
of Schools, MCPASD
* + Tom Wohlleber Assistant Superintendent for Business Services,
MCPASD
* … On-site visit
+ … Approved Master Plan (only ones asked)
Our
Thanks to the Following Teachers:
* + Ellen Anderson 3rd GradeTeacher,
* + Diane Boles 3rd
GradeTeacher,
* + Kathy Hiteman Teacher,
* + Steve Miller Earth
Science Teacher,
* + Nora Montgomery K-4 Enrichment Teacher,
* + Liz Odgnen K-5
Physical Education Teacher,
* + Sarah Pflasterer Earth Science Teacher,
* + Sue Porter 4th
Grade Teacher,
* + Jane Richard Kindergarten
Teacher,
* + Kristine Theis Earth Science Teacher,
* + Susan Wiegel Science
Teacher,
* + Deb Wietzel Chemistry
& Environmental Science Teacher,
* + Nicole Scadden 3rd, 5th, and 7th
grade teacher, Sunset Ridge Elementary
* + Julia Schmalzer 5th grade teacher, Sunset Ridge
Elementary
* … On-site visit
+ … Approved Master Plan (only ones asked)