- October 20, 2026
We started the day at the Capitol, talking about how important stewardship funding is and sharing my story with policymakers. That included Governor Evers, who has been a great supporter of Knowles-Nelson. In his last budget, he proposed $100 million annually for 10 years, which would have provided the sustainable, predictable funding for recreation and conservation we need moving forward. Thank you, Governor Evers, for taking the time and for all your work and dedication to conservation and to making Wisconsin a better place! He’s also an avid cyclist, so it was great to compare notes with him.
After meeting with Governor Evers, we had a rally & press conference outside the Capitol with Senator Dianne Hesselbein, Senator Jamie Wall, Representative Joan Fitzgerald, Groundswell Conservancy, the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, Gathering Waters, and more! It was so inspiring to be with the groups and legislators who support Knowles-Nelson and are doing the important work of writing the bill and advocating for its passage next legislative session. It also reminded me how important it is to vote this November and elect representatives who will support our values, including recreation and conservation in our state!
I’m grateful to all the legislators fighting to restore Knowles-Nelson and make it a priority this coming legislative session. I encourage everyone to contact their legislators to let them know this is a priority and to think about this issue when voting! In the meantime, you can learn more about where candidates stand on Knowles-Nelson HERE>>
Photo credit: Kodichi Nwankwo, Office of Senator Dianne Hesselbein
After we wrapped up at the Capitol, I headed west for Day 20 of my ride. I was joined by several others, including folks from the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, a nonprofit started in 1995 to protect lands adjacent to the Pheasant Branch Creek watershed. Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a lovely property in Middleton with a mix of marshlands, springs, prairies, meadows, lowland forest, and wooded hills. It’s home to hundreds of species of birds, insects, animals, and plants. The Conservancy offers great opportunities for exploration and adventure year-round, from hiking and biking to birdwatching and cross-country skiing. The 682-acre property has been supported by 10 separate grants from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. Those grants have helped the City of Middleton, Dane County, and the Wisconsin DNR assemble an important and popular natural area on the urban fringe of Madison.
We got a special tour from Ken, a volunteer and board member, who told us about the active projects at Pheasant Branch that Knowles-Nelson funding has made possible. One is a project on the south end that will include a bike underpass connecting the Pheasant Branch Trail directly to the park. Ken also talked about projects like prescribed burns, trail maintenance, and a native prairie garden that wouldn’t be possible without the Conservancy’s 600 volunteers. It takes resources, but also time and commitment from people, to make all these projects happen! It was so fun to ride with others and experience the passion people have for the parks in their community.
After leaving Pheasant Branch, I pedaled along the Hwy 12 bike path, which is a great commuter resource given how busy Hwy 12 is and how winding the surrounding roads are. This took me to the Great Sauk State Trail, the newest addition to the state trail system. It’s a paved path that runs 11 miles from Sauk City to just shy of the south shore entrance of Devil’s Lake State Park.
The Friends of the Great Sauk State Trail worked with Sauk County to secure $780,000 to match $406,000 from Knowles-Nelson to help build the trail. Plans are underway for the trail to cross the Wisconsin River and connect Sauk and Dane counties. It’s also set to expand north toward the 400 and Elroy-Sparta State Trails and all the way to the Mississippi River, which is where I’m headed tomorrow! I can’t wait!
– Sarah
Today at a glance
Day 20 | Madison to Baraboo
Mileage: 36
Trails Covered
Explore Nearby
Dunn County, WI | Managed by: Landmark Conservancy
Originally intended to be a nuclear power plant site, the Meridian Barrens were protected and made public through Knowles-Nelson funding. Visitors can now hike, fish, and hunt on the land.
Eau Claire, WI | Managed by: City of Eau Claire
Eau Claire's Pheonix Park boasts a walking labyrinth, an outdoor amphitheater, the Eau Claire Farmers Market, and the Chippewa River State Trail trailhead. Knowles-Nelson funds allowed for Phoenix Park’s development and expansion.
Chippewa County, WI | Managed by: WI DNR
Tom Lawin Wildlife Area is a 2,282-acre public hunting and wildlife preserve. It's also a birding hotspot, with visitors frequently spotting waterfowl, shorebirds, American bitterns, harriers, and short-eared owls. Knowles-Nelson funded land purchases for the preserve’s expansion.
