Rice Lake Area School District

Welcome to the

River Doc Nature Conservancy

A serene lake reflects the colors of a vibrant sunset.

The River Doc Nature Conservancy is a place to connect, engage, and explore. The 2+ miles of trails through prairie, woodland, and wetland provide opportutunies for the Warriors of Rice Lake Area School District to learn, grow, an dplay within the northwoods of WI.

The beautiful land along the shore of Lake Desair was donated to the RLASD in 2021 by Dr. Rod Olson – “The River Doc” and Carol Olson with the vision to continue the legacy of stewardship.

We are committed to support lifelong learning through excellent environmental and conservation education.

Click here to view a pdf copy of the River Doc map

Check out our Trails

Prairie Trail (0.6mi): Made up of 4 connecting trails. The Prairie Trail connects the Westside to the Eastside of the conservancy. Walking along the Prairie Trails, you will see forested and prairie ecosystems as well as the River Doc Nature Center.
Trout Lily Trail (0.1 mi): Groomed for cross-country skiing in winter. This northeast section of the Prairie Trails links the bridge at the Northwest Tributary to an agricultural field, passing through a young forest and following a gentle slope.
Wild Strawberry Field Trail (0.2 mi): North section is groomed for cross-country skiing in winter and connects Trout Lily Trail to Purple Coneflower Trail. Runs N/S along field and forest, linking to Nature Center driveway off 23rd ½ Ave. Flat and easy.
Purple Coneflower Trail (0.1 mi): West end groomed for cross-country skiing in winter. Connects Wild Strawberry, Trout Lily, and Black-eyed Susan Trails. Runs E/W along Northwest Tributary ridge with prairie plants. Mostly flat; steep near bridge.
Black-eyed Susan Trail (0.1 mi): Not groomed for cross-country skiing. Runs N/S along forest and prairie. North connects to Purple Coneflower Trail; south to Nature Center. Offshoots lead to Lake Desair wetlands. Flat and easy to traverse.
Ridge Trail (0.3 mi): Groomed for cross-country skiing in winter. Runs N/S from 24th Ave parking through prairie into old-growth forest along a ridge above Northwest Tributary. Connects to Prairie Trails, Windmill Run, Wildflower Way, and Lakeshore Trail

Windmill Run (0.2 mi): Not groomed for cross-country skiing. Runs E/W from Ridge Trail through Windmill Prairie, passing a historic windmill and a seasonal creek bridge. Connects to Old Oak Trail (west) and Lakeshore Trail (south near cabin).
Wildflower Way (0.2 mi): Not groomed for cross-country skiing. Y-shaped trail connecting Ridge Trail, Pine Arch Trail, and Windmill Run. Known for spring wildflowers like trillium. East section crosses a waterway. Can be soggy but is mostly flat.
Lakeshore Trail (0.3 mi): Groomed for cross-country skiing in winter. L-shaped trail connecting Ridge Trail and Wildflower Way, following Northwest Tributary to Lake Desair. Passes old-growth forest, wetlands, beaver activity, and Lake views. Steep
Pine Arch Trail (0.2 mi): Not groomed for cross-country skiing. L-shaped trail linking Windmill Run, Wildflower Way, and Lake Desair near the cabin. Passes prairie and forest with pine cover; good bird viewing. Can be soggy but is flat and easy.
Old Oak Trail (0.3 mi): Groomed for cross-country skiing in winter. Runs N/S from 24th Ave to Windmill Run. Features oak species including a large red oak near Lake Desair. Steep inclines as you head north; moderately difficult to traverse.
Road Run (0.2 mi): Groomed for cross-country skiing in winter only. Runs E/W just south of 24th Ave, connecting northern entrances of the nature conservancy for a ski loop. Crosses two private drives; ski use only.

river doc rules list

Please enjoy the natural beauty of the River Doc Nature Conservancy when the Rice Lake Area School District is not in session. Maintain the soil health by staying on the trails of the conservancy. Keep dogs leashed. No littering. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails except for maintenance use. The conservancy does not allow hunting, picking wildflowers, or taking natural items out of the conservancy. Smoking is prohibited. Parking and fires are permitted in designated areas only.

Follow the principles of Leave No Trace while on school grounds at the River Doc Nature Conservancy.

Leave No Trace Principles

The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. Although Leave No Trace has its roots in backcountry settings, the Principles have been adapted so that they can be applied anywhere — from remote wilderness areas, to local parks and even in your own backyard. They also apply to almost every recreational activity. Each Principle covers a specific topic and provides detailed information for minimizing impacts.

1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Others

Interested in becoming a Friend of the River Doc Nature Conservancy?

Reach out to Naturalist Educator, Cate Lucas at lucasc@ricelake.k12.wi.us

including the following information:

-Name
-Email Address
-Postal Address
-Phone Number

Public Hours for RDNC:
Monday-Friday (during school year): 3:30pm - Sun Down
Saturday & Sunday or Non-School Days: Sun Up to Sun Down