1000 Islands Environmental Center has over seven miles of trails which loop through the 350 acres of the Conservancy Zone. The public trails are open year-round and offer hikers and nature enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of the Fox River along with seeing many different native species of trees and wildflowers. The trails are a natural area for birding and wildlife watching.
The trail system in the Conservancy Zone was developed by Kaukauna Improvement Committee along with the assistance of the DNR in the 1970s. The goal was to develop a trail system for educational programs and the enjoyment of nature. Together, these two groups identified trees, engineered the trails and developed a plan to manage and preserve the Conservancy Zone. The construction of the first trail was completed with community volunteers along with local Boy Scout troops that spread bark on the trail.
Currently, our trails consist of over 2,000 feet of barrier-free boardwalk, a black-top loop trail, and several miles of soft-surface trails on the Hoersch Memorial Trail and the Upper Woods trails. A good portion of our trail system is along the shoreline of the Fox River with scenic views of the river and is ideal for bird and wildlife watching. Our trail system also offers observation decks, a canoe/kayak launch and fishing piers.
Wintertime brings the opportunity to utilize the trails for snowshoeing. The Valley Trail in the Upper Woods of the Conservancy Zone is an ideal to trail for snowshoeing. With ample (8”) snow, snowshoeing is allowed on any trail.
Trail Map (PDF)
Conservancy Zone Guidelines (PDF)
