The 170-acre Waakikižu Natural Resource Area is located in the Town of Westport along Six Mile Creek. Natural Resource Areas are lands designated for the protection of a valuable natural environment, wildlife habitat, open space, and/or greenbelt corridor. The property protects wildlife habitat and preserves part of the Six Mile Creek wetlands. A paved bike path goes through the property along Woodland Drive that connects to the North Mendota Trail along Hwy M to the south.
This property was formerly named the North Mendota Natural Resource Area. Waunakee Community Middle School students worked with the Dane County Park Commission to rename the property Waakikižu (pronounced WÄ – ke – ke – zhü) Natural Resource Area. View the Dane County Parks Naming Video the students shared with the Park Commission. Waakikižu is a Ho-Chunk language word that means community or togetherness.
