Holy Hill

The Holy Hill woods are one of the largest contiguous upland forests remaining in southeastern Wisconsin. The Holy Hill Forest Legacy project will protect three parcels, each with a different owner, comprising more than 200 acres. Protection of the Holy Hill woods contributes to the state's goal of connecting the Northern and Southern Units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, as well as helping connect a series of Ice Age Trail segments and protecting trail views. Through protection of these properties, a forest buffer will be created, protecting the larger Holy Hill forest from the effects of subdivision development that is occurring nearby and protecting the ice Age Trail located informally of the nearly Carmelite Fathers, Holy Hill property.

The diverse topography and habitats found in the greater Holy Hill region harbor rich biodiversity of both habitats and species. Forty-five species of mammal exist here, ninety varieties of breeding birds including many migratory species, fifty-two species of fishes, nine frog and salamander species, five turtle species and eight species of snakes. This total includes two threatened species and four endangered species.

Many conservation agencies have realized the importance of preserving this forested land for future generations. The Holy Hill woods were nominated by Scenic America as a "last chance landscape" because they are one of the largest forests remaining in southeastern Wisconsin. Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission has designated most of the area as a first class wildlife habitat and a primary environmental corridor, which by definition contains the best remaining natural resources of the area. The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters in its "Report of the Kettle Moraine Task Force" stressed the importance of protecting the Mid-Kettle Moraine. Holy Hill is also on the register of National Historic Places.

Holy Hill is not only home to magnificent woodlands but also home to the Basilica of Holy Hill. Nearly 300,000 people visit the shrine yearly; many come to see the breath-taking views and wander the grounds. By protecting the forest at the base of the hill, the Department is able to preserve the highly desirable land from future development.

The Holy Hill Forest Legacy project is not open to public access.