Johnson Preserve - Landmark Conservancy

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COVID-19 Use Guidelines

Featured Uses:

Birdwatching, Hiking, Snowshoeing

There are 1.5 miles of non-motorized trails.

Description:

The Andersen family established the Gustav and Elizabeth Johnson preserve in 1996. The preserve was formalized when Julian Anderson donated a conservation easement to Landmark Conservancy (formerly West Wisconsin Land Trust) in 2016 and sold the property to the Deer Lake Conservancy in early 2017.

This 95-acre parcel has 425 feet of lake front including a lagoon. The trails that wind through the property showcase the many native woodland plants, birds, and animals that call the Preserve home. Trails on this property link to the Rock Creek trails to the west and the Dry Creek trails to the east.

Visit https://www.dlcwi.org/conservation/major-projects/johnson-preserve/ to learn more, including results of biologist surveys of preserve plant and animal life and the management plan.

Location/Access Directions:

The site is located on the north shore of Deer Lake in Polk County, Wisconsin, about 5 miles east of St. Croix Falls. Turn south off of 140^th Avenue into driveway. There is a parking lot, a wooden fence and large stone that says “Johnson Preserve” at entrance.

45°24’40.1″N 92°32’20.4″W

Site Detail Map:

Map Link

Ownership/Management:

Deer Lake Conservancy

Use and Safety Guidelines during COVID-19

Our trails and preserves are currently open to the public; this is subject to change if overuse becomes an issue.

Please abide by social distancing and consider the following guidelines:

If the parking lot is full, the trail is full. Have a plan B and C. Consider waiting or seeking another place to be outdoors.
Do not use the trails if you have symptoms, have traveled recently, or have been exposed to a known or suspected case of COVID-19. Consider wearing a mask.
Stay six feet away from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Maintain this as you walk or hike.
Warn other trail users of your presence and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice or bell.
To reduce the risk of injury and potential stress to our local healthcare system if you are injured while hiking, be prepared for uncertain trail conditions. Wear sturdy footwear and consider using poles if you have them. Stay within your comfort zone; don’t be afraid to turn around. Stick to easy trails.
Keep dogs on the leash. This will prevent inadvertent close contact with others.
Practice Leave No Trace. Carry in, carry out.

Adapted from Loon Echo Land Trust and shared with permission