(Waukesha, WI) – Waukesha County’s Muskego Park Hardwoods State Scientific Area will be formally inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network on Friday, July 9. The dedication will take place at Muskego Park’s picnic area #4 near the trailhead at 4:30 p.m. and will be followed by guided hikes into the forest. Muskego Park is located at S83 W20370 Janesville Rd. in Muskego.

“We are proud to receive national recognition for this treasure,” said Julia Robson, Waukesha County Conservation Biologist. “This natural area is where visitors can experience both rare, hundred-year-old trees and exquisite plant communities.”

Residents and visitors are welcome to attend the ceremony. Dr. Sarah Horsley, network manager of the Old-Growth Forest Network, will present a plaque to celebrate the dedication. Attendees are invited to join the free guided hikes following the presentation. The Brewfinity Beer Garden will be at the beach area in the park for guests to enjoy before or after the event. Park admission fees will apply.

Muskego Park was purchased in 1958 as the County’s first regional park. The 60-acre hardwood forest is protected as a state scientific area and designated as a state natural area, which recognizes its unique ecological value. The mature forest contains old-growth white and red oaks and large sugar maples. It also includes a mixture of other trees such as bitternut and shagbark hickory, walnut, ash, basswood, black cherry, ironwood, and the only known population of state-threatened blue ash in Wisconsin. Muskego Park will join Cathedral Pines in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest as the second Old-Growth Forest Network site in Wisconsin.

The Old-Growth Forest Network is a national organization working to create a network of protected, native, publicly accessible mature forests. For more information about Old-Growth Forest Network visit https://www.oldgrowthforest.net/

About the Waukesha County Park System

Waukesha County Park System is a natural resource-based park system that demonstrates stewardship while providing recreational and educational opportunities. For more information, visit www.waukeshacountyparks.com or follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram.

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