Riverbend Conservancy in West Bend

This 88-acre Restoring Lands preserve is located in the Town of Trenton between West Bend and Newburg. It is one of the few large tracts of undeveloped land along the Milwaukee River in Washington County. The northern section of the site is a 20-acre lowland hardwood forest, an example of what the river basin looked like before European colonization. Never farmed because of its swampy bottom, it remains very rich and especially diverse in tree species. Much of the remaining acreage is in agricultural production. Slowly, trees will replace crops as the property is reforested. Two riparian buffer strips were planted along the east and west shorelines to reduce erosion, which improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and allow for enhanced recreational opportunities. A 0.6-mile trail takes you through the prairie and along the river’s edge. A pull-off is available for paddlers to rest, have a snack, or enjoy the property’s tranquility.

 

Riverbend has MANAGED ACCESS hunting regulations. See the Restoring Lands website for more information.

To respect and protect the sensitive plant and animal communities that thrive here, please keep dogs on leash at all times. 

 

For a trail map, click here.

 

To visit, enter off of HWY 33 / E. Washington St. and follow the gravel road to the right past the Riverbend sign. Park in the small, grassed area near the shed and kiosk. 

 

Gallery (click to enlarge)