great wisconsin birding& naturetrail · horicon national wildlife refuge in the east to...
TRANSCRIPT
GreatWisconsinBirding&NatureTrailSouthern Savanna Region
WelcomeWelcome to Wisconsin, where a wonderfulworld of wildlife watching awaits you.
Environmental tourism has become an impor-tant part of our diverse mix of outdoor recre-ation. Extensive wetlands, millions of acres ofwild places, a broad range of natural habitat,and a commitment to environmental steward-ship have made Wisconsin an outstandingregional birding opportunity. More than anyother state in the Great Lakes basin, Wisconsinis positioned to promote and enjoy this popularactivity.
To that end, we launched the Great WisconsinBirding and Nature Trail in 2004. This projectdivided the state into five wildlife-viewingregions. Driving trails that link importantwildlife sites within each region have beendeveloped. The program has also produced aseries of five birding guides to these regions.This is the fifth and final edition in that series,a guide to the Southern Savanna Region.
Wisconsin – where stewardship is the foundation of recreation.
Jim Doyle, Governor
ALA
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ContentsIntroduction __________________________________ 2
State Natural Areas ____________________________ 3
Code of Ethics ________________________________ 3
Southern Savanna Birding & Nature Trail Region Map 4-5
Using the Guide________________________________ 5
Waypoint Index ________________________________ 6-7
County Profiles
Columbia County __________________________ 8-11Dane County ______________________________ 12-17Dodge County______________________________ 18-20Green County ______________________________ 21-24Iowa County ______________________________ 25-29Jefferson County____________________________ 30-33Lafayette County____________________________ 34-36Richland County ____________________________ 37-39Rock County ______________________________ 40-42Sauk County ______________________________ 43-45Walworth County __________________________ 46-48Washington County ________________________ 49-51Waukesha County __________________________ 52-55
More Sources of Tourism Information ______________ 56
Wisconsin Welcome Centers ____________________ 57
Sandhill Cranes.
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Wing your waythrough Wild Wisconsin
The Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trailis your invitation to observe the fascinating anddiverse world of wildlife that exists in everycorner of Wisconsin.
With this edition, theWisconsin DNR EndangeredResource Program completesits series of five highway-based viewing guides, eachhighlighting unique regionalecosystems of Wisconsin. Eachedition links a set of waypoints,refuges and wild places thatoffer the best birding andwildlife watching opportunitiesin the state.
This fifth in a series of five guides – theSouthern Savanna Birding and Nature Trail –covers thirteen Wisconsin counties in the south-central portion of the state. Published in 2008, itincludes 78 waypoints from the 30,000-acreHoricon National Wildlife Refuge in the east toYellowstone State Park in the west.
The first four guides in the series – the LakeSuperior Northwoods edition released in 2004,the Mississippi/Chippewa Rivers edition from2005, the Lake Michigan edition from 2006, andthe Central Sands edition from 2007 – are all still
available in limited numbers.Waypoints from each
edition in the series aremarked with the program’sdistinctive Sandhill Crane logo.As you travel, watch for thesesigns – they are your invitationto the fascinating world ofWisconsin wildlife.
Waypoint marker.
Henslow’s Sparrow.
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Code of EthicsThe Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail is your gate-
way to the natural world of Wisconsin. The Code of Ethicsserves to guide you as you seek your favorite waypoint sitesacross the state.
● Treat birds and other animals with respect, never disturbingor collecting anything in their habitat.
● Trails, roads and paths found at the sites provide goodaccess to the property. Avoid leaving them unless you arein a wilderness area.
● Wisconsin has strict trespass laws.Private property does not have tobe posted or fenced in Wisconsin.Ask permission if you want toenter private land. Know whereyou are – pay attention to postedproperty boundary signs.
● Dogs must be leashed on all statelands during the bird-nesting sea-son from April 15 through July 31.
● Lead by example. Leave the property litter-free and in goodcondition for the next traveler.
● Give nature a voice. Thank the property owner, manageror staff person for the opportunity to enjoy nature at theirsite.
State Natural AreasWisconsin’s State Natural Areas(SNAs) protect outstanding exam-ples of native biological commu-nities such as prairies, pine bar-rens, bogs, and boreal forests.They also preserve significantgeological and archaeologicalfeatures and are often the lastrefuges in Wisconsin for rarespecies of birds, animals, plants,fungi, lichens, and a host ofother organisms.
Karner Blue Butterfly.
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JACKSON
MONROE
JUNEAU ADAMS
WAUSHARA
VERNON
AWFORD
RICHLANDSAUK
MARQUETTE
COLUMBIA
GRANT
IOWA
DANE
LAFAYETTE GREEN
ROCK
GREEN
LAKE FOND D
DODG
JEFFERSON
WINNEB
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iscon
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Monroe
Madison
WisconsinDells
Oshko
Ro
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Sugar River
Pecatonica River
Kick
apoo
Rive
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Rockford
Dubuque
Cuba CityDickeyville
Gratiot
ArgyleBelmont
Mineral Point
illePotosi
Lancaster
Platteville
Darlington
Dodgeville
BoscobelMuscoda
uzeka
Readstown
Viroqua
Westby
Richland Center
SpringGreen
BlackEarth
BlueMounds
Mt. HorebBarneveldVerona
Belleville
Oregon
New GlarusEvansville
Stoughton
Fitchburg
Middleton
SunPrairie
DeForestSauk City
Prairiedu Sac
Lodi
Poynette
Columbus
Brodhead
Janesville
Beloit
Ft. AtkiCambridge
W
Walwo
Delavan
El
Wyocena
PardeevillePortage
RandolphFox Lake
WHNAWR
Montello
PrincetonRipon
Green Lake
Berlin
WautomaColomaNecedah
WildRose
Weyauwega
Waupaca NewLon
Omro
Babcock
Wisconsin Rapids
Nekoosa
alem
partaTomah
lackFalls
Millston
Oxford
Baraboo
Reedsburg
La Valle
UnionCenter
Hillsboro
Ontario
WiltonNew Lisbon
Mauston
Adams
Friendship
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Mississippi
Beaver Dam
Fox
Puckaway
Poygan
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GreenCounty
Pgs. 21-24
RockCounty
Pgs. 40-42
LafayetteCounty
Pgs. 34-36
ColumbiaCounty
Pgs. 8-11
JeffersonCounty
Pgs. 30-33
DaneCounty
Pgs. 13-17
SaukCounty
Pgs. 43-45 RichlandCounty
Pgs. 37-39
DodgeCounty
Pg. 18-20
IowaCounty
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Great WisconsinBirding& NatureTrailSouthern Savanna Region
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Shebo
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Racine
Kenosha
Fonddu Lac
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Appleton
Riv
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Whitewater
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LakeGeneva
GenoaCity
Bristol PleasantPrairie
Union Grove
Muskego
Waukesha
Brookfield
Oak Creek
Mequon
Cedarburg
WestAllis
Grafton
New Berlin
Waupun
Horicon
ORICONATIONAL
WILDLIFEREFUGE
Hartford
Slinger
Jackson
WestBend
Kewaskum
Plymouth
KielNew Holstien
Chilton
Brillion
Reedsville
Denmark
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ElkhartLake
Oconomowoc
Watertown
Fox R.
GenevaDelavan
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Eagle
Delafield
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Pg. 49-51
WaukeshaCounty
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WalworthCounty
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Using the GuideInformation for this
guide was gatheredlocally from Wisconsin
DNR, naturalists, birders,and a range of wildlife
enthusiasts. Each site wasnominated locally and eval-uated as part of the region-al project.
Site informationincludes a contact phonenumber, driving directions,a small locator map, adescription of the property,common and rare birds andwildlife, and a Web site ifavailable. Except as noted,admission to these proper-ties is free. Hours areincluded, even though mostproperties are open 24/7.
As you would expect,most of these waypointsare remote, wild locations.While every effort has beenmade to provide accuratedriving instructions, we rec-ommend that you bring acounty map or gazetteer tohelp in finding these sites.Other prudent equipmentwould include a compass,flashlight, water, a granolabar or two, insect repellant,and a good pair of walk-ing/hiking shoes.
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Waypoint IndexPage
Columbia County1. French Creek State Wildlife Area _______________________________________8
2. Grassy Lake State Wildlife Area ________________________________________9
3. Leopold Wetland Management District _________________________________9
4. Pine Island State Wildlife Area _________________________________________10
5. MacKenzie Environmental Education Center ____________________________10
6. Madison Audubon Goose Pond Sanctuary, Erstad Prairie &Schoenberg Marsh Waterfowl Production Area__________________________11
Dane County7. Aldo Leopold Nature Center ___________________________________________13
8. Black Hawk Unit of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway _________________13
9. Capital Springs Recreation Area, Lussier Family Heritage Center,Lake Farm Park & Nine Springs E-Way __________________________________14
10. Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark ________________________14
11. Governor Nelson State Park____________________________________________15
12. Lakeshore Nature Preserve ____________________________________________15
13. Pheasant Branch Conservency__________________________________________16
14. Pleasant Valley Conservancy State Natural Area _________________________16
15. University of Wisconsin Arboretum_____________________________________17
Dodge County16. Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area & International Education Center______18
17. Horicon National Wildlife Refuge ______________________________________19
18. Shaw Marsh State Wildlife Area________________________________________20
19. Theresa Marsh State Wildlife Area – Northern Unit ______________________20
Green County20. Brooklyn State Wildlife Area___________________________________________21
21. Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area ________________________22
22. Marbleseed Prairie Unit of York Prairie State Natural Area _______________22
23. Muralt Bluff Prairie State Natural Area _________________________________23
24. New Glarus Woods State Park__________________________________________23
25. Sugar River & Badger State Trail _______________________________________24
Iowa County26. Avoca Prairie and Savanna State Natural Area___________________________25
27. Barneveld Prairie _____________________________________________________26
28. Barneveld Prairie – Thomas Pasture Tract _______________________________26
29. Governor Dodge State Park & Pine Cliff State Natural Area ______________27
30. Lower Wisconsin State Riverway – Helena Unit __________________________27
31. Military Ridge State Trail & Shake Rag Trail _____________________________28
32. Mounds View Grassland _______________________________________________29
33. Tower Hill State Park __________________________________________________29
Jefferson County34. Dorothy Carnes County Park & Rose Lake State Natural Area _____________30
35. Glacial Drumlin State Trail – Jefferson County ___________________________31
36. Hoard Historical Museum______________________________________________32
37. Jefferson Marsh State Wildlife Area & Jefferson Tamarack SwampState Natural Area ____________________________________________________32
38. Lake Mills State Wildlife Area & Zeloski Marsh Unit______________________33
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Lafayette County39. Belmont Prairie State Natural Area _____________________________________34
40. Pecatonica State Trail & Cheese Country Trails ___________________________35
41. Yellowstone Lake State Park & Yellowstone Savanna State Natural Area __36
42. Yellowstone State Wildlife Area________________________________________36
Richland County43. Ash Creek Community Forest __________________________________________37
44. Lower Wisconsin State Riverway - Knapp Creek, Blue River &Lone Rock Units ______________________________________________________38
45. Pier Natural Bridge County Park _______________________________________38
46. Pine River County Trail ________________________________________________39
Rock County47. Avon Bottoms State Wildlife & State Natural Area_______________________40
48. Big Hill Park __________________________________________________________41
49. Cook Memorial Arboretum ____________________________________________41
50. Rock River Prairie State Natural Area ___________________________________42
51. Storrs Lake & Lima Marsh State Wildlife Areas __________________________42
Sauk County52. Aldo Leopold Legacy Center ___________________________________________43
53. Bakken’s Pond State Natural Area ______________________________________44
54. International Crane Foundation________________________________________44
55. Riverland Conservancy - Merrimac Preserve _____________________________45
56. Spring Green Preserve State Natural Area_______________________________45
Walworth County57. Big Foot Beach State Park _____________________________________________46
58. Kettle Moraine Oak Opening State Natural Area ________________________47
59. Turtle Creek State Wildlife Area________________________________________47
60. White River State Trail – Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail ______________________48
Washington County61. Allenton & Theresa Marsh State Wildlife Area___________________________49
62. Jackson Marsh State Wildlife Area & State Natural Area _________________50
63. Lac Lawrann Conservancy _____________________________________________50
64. Lizard Mound County Park ____________________________________________51
65. Milwaukee River Floodplain Forest State Natural Area ___________________51
Waukesha County66. Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit_________________________52
67. Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit, Scuppernong River HabitatArea & Scuppernong Prairie State Natural Area _________________________53
68. Lulu Lake Preserve & State Natural Area ________________________________54
69. Nashotah County Park ________________________________________________54
70. Old World Wisconsin __________________________________________________55
71. Retzer Nature Center _________________________________________________55
French Creek State Wildlife AreaThis 4,000-acre property is located inColumbia and Marquette Counties.Prior to becoming a state land, themarsh was farmed for the productionof a native sedge known as “wire-grass” harvested to manufacture grassrugs. Farmers also cut marsh hay tofeed livestock and grazed cattle alongFrench Creek. French Creek is dammedcreating a large flowage used bymigrating waterfowl, egrets, heronsand shorebirds. The Marquette Trail, aunit of the Ice Age Trail, meanders pastthe property and extends north to JohnMuir Memorial County Park. This prop-erty is on a 5-year drawdown rotationplan to promote seed bearing plants;periodic drawdowns create extensivemud flats that attract a large variety ofshorebirds.Directions: Located 6 miles northeastof Portage on Cty F.
Columbia CountyIn the heart of south-central Wisconsin, ColumbiaCounty’s most prominent terrain feature is the WisconsinRiver, which forms a portion of its western border. Theriver scribes a long, sweeping curve through the countyfrom Wisconsin Dells in the north to Lake Wisconsin inthe south.
Wisconsin Dells is an epicenter of Wisconsintourism. It sells fun – creates and packages fun in a mil-lion ways. If you like roller coasters, duck rides on theriver, championship golf, waterparks (indoors and out),
bungee jumping, world-class spas, or any other imaginable familyamusement, you’ll love the Dells. (www.wisdells.com, 800/223-3557)
Portage, the county seat, is one of the most historically significantplaces in the state. Here, the Wisconsin River nearly meets the FoxRiver flowing south from Green Bay. The Portage Canal linked thetwo rivers creating a water route from the Great Lakes to theMississippi River. In the early 1800s, Fort Winnebago protected thisvital transportation link. The Surgeon’s Quarters of the original fortcan still be toured (www.portagewi.com, 608/742-2949) as well as theHistoric Indian Agency House (www.portagewi.com, 608/742-6362).
To the south, the MacKenzie Environmental Center nearPoynette offers birding opportunities on their several miles of trails aswell as an observation tower, an exhibit of live Wisconsin wildlife,museums and a picnic area (www.mackenziecenter.com, 608/635-8110). On the eastern end of the county, Columbus is renowned for itsLouis Sullivan-designed bank, and the Columbus Antique Mall, oneof the state’s largest (www.columbusantiquemall.com, 920/623-1992).
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Phone: 608/266-2621Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: Wild Turkey,Rough-legged Hawk & Bald EagleRare species: Yellow-crownedNight-Heron, Red-shoulderedHawk & Great EgretGazetteer: Page 44, C/D-1Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Portage
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French CreekSWA
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COLUMBIA CO.
MARQUETTE CO.
DatesMill Pond
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Leopold Wetland Management DistrictThe district manages 10,756 acres ofWaterfowl Production Areas in 16southeastern counties encompassingsome of the most important waterfowlareas in Wisconsin. Wetlands, grass-lands and woodland communities alsosupport a variety of songbirds, shore-birds, wading birds, and many speciesof mammals, reptiles, amphibians, andinsects. The vast area has a wild charac-ter and is known as the LeopoldReserve-Pine Island Important Bird Area.Included in the management district arethe Aldo Leopold Legacy Center, PineIsland State Wildlife Area and severalprivate landowners. The area has thepotential to provide you with an abun-dance of species for your checklist. Directions: From Portage, take Hwy 33south 0.5 mile to Cty U south about 2miles until it becomes CascadeMountain Road. Headquarters locatedat W10040 Cascade Mountain Road.
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Grassy Lake State Wildlife Area& State Natural Area
This 700-acre State Wildlife Area wasestablished to provide hunting, fishing,trapping and wildlife viewing opportu-nities for the public. Through the years,it has maintained its reputation as areliable place to see Red-necked andEared Grebes along with many otherspecies of birds, amphibians, reptilesand mammals. Several hundreds ofacres of federal Waterfowl ProductionArea land is to the northwest andnortheast and contains approximately400 acres of wetland, 200 acres ofupland grassy fields, and 100 acres ofwoods. This property is also part of theextensive Northern Empire PrairieWetlands Important Bird Area. Directions: Located three miles south-east of Rio on Hwy 16. Take Erdman orFisher Roads off Hwy 16 for furtheraccess.
Phone: 608/266-2621Web: dnr.wi.govSignature Species: Black Tern,Sora Rail & Wilson’s SnipeRare Species: Red-necked &Eared GrebeGazetteer: Page 36, A-3Parking: Parking lotsFood & lodging: Rio &Columbus
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Grassy LakeState Wildlife
Area
FISHER RD
KING RD
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River
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Phone: 608/742-7100Web:www.fws.gov/midwest/LeopoldSignature Species: Ruddy Duck,Eastern Bluebird & Blue-wingedTealRare Species: Red-headedWoodpecker, GrasshopperSparrow & BobolinkGazetteer: Page 43, D-6 & 7Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Portage, Baraboo & WI Dells
CASCADEMOUNTAIN RD
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Leopold WetlandManagement
District Headquarters
LEVEE RD
Wisconsin
Baraboo
River
River
9094
39
Portage
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Columbia County
Pine Island State Wildlife AreaThis 5,165-acre property lies in thefloodplain of the Wisconsin andBaraboo Rivers. It includes severalislands in the Wisconsin River and wasnamed for one of those larger islandsthat had a significant stand of whitepine. A levee was constructed on thesouth and north side of the WisconsinRiver for flood control to protect theCity of Portage and farmlands alongthe river. Today, the area includesmarsh, shrub swamp, floodplain forest,savanna, restored prairie grasslands andbarrens. The grasslands found here arehome to many species grassland birdsand the property is part of the Leopold-Pine Island Important Bird Area. Directions: From Portage, take Hwy 33south. Just across the river, turn weston Blackhawk/Levee Rd 0.5 mile. LeveeRd runs through the SWA for the next6 miles.
Phone: 608/266-2621Web: dnr.wi.govSignature Species: OrchardOriole, Barred Owl & AmericanWoodcockRare Species: Henslow’s &Grasshopper Sparrow & EasternMeadowlarkGazetteer: Page 43, D-7Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Portage & Baraboo
O16
78
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Pine IslandState Wildlife
Area
LEVEE RD
Wisconsin River
9094
39
51
Portage
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MacKenzie Environmental EducationCenter
The MacKenzie Center is nestled in avalley with large areas of pine, spruce,mixed hardwoods and an arboretumwith more than 200 species of treesand shrubs. The propertyalso contains restoredprairies, a small wildlifepond and open grass-lands that attract birdsand mammals to thearea. The DNR operatesa service center on site,and the WisconsinWildlife Federation oper-ates the environmentaleducation center locatedthere. School groups andthe public enjoy the fivenature trails that meander through theproperty, a wildlife exhibit that featuresnative Wisconsin animals, museumsand picnic areas. Directions: Located 2 miles east ofPoynette on Cty CS/Cty Q (W7303 CtyCS).
Phone: 608/635-8110 (Offices),608/635-2742 (Education Center)Web: dnr.wi.gov or wiwf.org Signature Species: PileatedWoodpecker, Field Sparrow &Blue JayRare Species: Whip-poor-will &Yellow-billed CuckooGazetteer: Page 36, A-2Seasonality: Ground open dailydawn-dusk; center open May 1-Oct 15 daily 8am-4pm; Oct 16-Apr 30 Mon-Fri 8am-4pmParking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Poynette & Portage
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MackenzieEnvironmentalEducationCenter
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Poynette
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Fire tower.
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Madison Audubon Goose Pond Sanctuary,Erstad Prairie & Schoenberg MarshWaterfowl Production Area
Historically known as the Empire Prairie,these sites are part of a 5,800-acreNorthern Empire Prairie WetlandsImportant Bird Area that draw speciesof birds attracted to the shallow wet-lands, sedge meadows, oak savannas,remnant and restored prairies, anddeep-water marshes. Large spring andfall migrations of waterfowl, includingTundra Swans, make these sites popularwith bird watchers. Goose Pond is aState Natural Area with more than 250species of birds recorded there.Viewing birds at these properties is bestfrom the main roads and driveways byusing your car as a blind, taking carenot to flush birds by walking down towater. Directions: Goose Pond Sanctuary islocated 1.5 miles south of Arlington viaHwy 60/51 and Goose Pond Rd.Schoenberg Marsh and Erstad Prairieare located 3 miles east of Arlington viaHwy 60 east to Harvey Rd north. Theproperty lies on both sides of HarveyRoad.
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Phone: 608/255-2473Web: madisonaudubon.org orfws.govSignature Species: Tigersalamander, Sedge Wren, BlackTern & Northern HarrierRare Species: Blanding’s Turtle,Dickcissel & Black-billed CuckooGazetteer: Page 36, B-2Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Arlington / DeForest, Poynette /Portage
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Erstad Praiire
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Goose Pond Sanctuary.
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Dane CountyWith nearly 500,000 people, Dane County is one ofWisconsin’s most populous areas, second only toMilwaukee County.
Surrounded by four lakes – Mendota, Monona,Waubesa and Kegonsa – Madison is both county seatand state capitol. The magnificent dome of theWisconsin State Capitol Building dominates thecentral city and is always open to visitors (www.wis-consin.gov, 608/266-0382). On the Capitol Square the
Wisconsin Veterans Museum exhibits the state’s military historyfrom the Civil War to Desert Storm (www.museum.dva.state.wi.us,608/267-1799). Also on the Square, the Wisconsin HistoricalMuseum, operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society, offers threefloors of state heritage from prehistoric Indian culture to contempo-rary social issues (www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum, 608/264-6555).
On the other end of the city’s fabled State Street is the Universityof Wisconsin. Here you can tour the Chazen Museum of Art(www.chazen.wisc.edu, 608/263-2246). Visitors to the city will alsoenjoy the 1,260-acre UW Arboretum (uwarboretum.org, 608/263-7888), the Henry Vilas Zoo (www.vilaszoo.org, 608/266-4733), theMadison Museum of Contemporary Art (www.mmoca.org,608/257-0158), or the fabulous Thai Pavilion at the OlbrichBotanical Gardens (www.olbrich.org, 608/246-4550).
To the west, Mt. Horeb has much to offer including the world’slargest collection of mustard (3,100 varieties) at the Mt. HorebMustard Museum (800/438-6878, www.mustardmuseum.com).Nearby, Cave of the Mounds offers fascinating subterranean toursdaily (608/437-3038, www.caveofthemounds.com). Little Norway isa fanciful recreation of an 1856 Norwegian farmstead and Stavkirke,(608/437-8211, www.littlenorway.com).
Sunrise over Lake Monona.
RJ &
LIN
DA
MIL
LER
1133
Black Hawk Unit of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway
This 815-acre unit of the LowerWisconsin State Riverway consists ofupland hardwood forest, prairies andsavanna. The Battle of WisconsinHeights was fought on the northernedge of the property during the BlackHawk War of 1832. The property’s par-tially restored oak savanna and trailthrough the battlefield are listed on theNational Register of Historic Places. It’sthe only property of its kind in theMidwest. Indian Mounds on site datefrom about 800 AD. The adjoiningunits of the Lower Wisconsin StateRiverway units run westward 92 milesto the Mississippi River. They offernumerous public boat landings, freecanoe camping, numerous StateNatural Areas and more than 40,000acres of public land open to multiplerecreational opportunities. Directions: Located 3 miles south ofSauk City on Hwy 78.
Aldo Leopold Nature CenterThe Aldo Leopold Nature Center teach-es us to appreciate the natural land-scape. The Monona campus is locatedin an urban setting.Though it is a popularplace for school visits,there are also manyevents and activitiesgeared to the generalpublic. Through hands-on, guided experiences,you and your family candiscover the wonders ofnature. Educational sig-nage along the LeopoldInterpretive Trail illumi-nates and connects a variety of nativehabitats. A large wildlife pond can beviewed from the trail as well as fromfloating deck platforms that put youout over the water. Directions: The center’s address is 300Femrite Drive, Monona, 53716. ExitHwy 12/18 at Monona Dr, then northto Femrite Dr, then east to the property.
Phone: 608/221-0404Web: naturenet.com/alnc/index.html Signature species: ScarletTanager, Red-breasted Nuthatch& Chipping SparrowRare Species: Great Egret &Tennessee Warbler Gazetteer: Page 36, D-2Seasonality: Trails open dailydawn-dusk; nature center openMon-Fri 9am- 4pmParking: Parking LotNearest food & lodging:Monona & Madison
Phone: 608/257-3266Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: EasternBluebird, Cooper’s Hawk &Willow FlycatcherRare species: Red-headedWoodpecker, Yellow-billedCuckoo & Western KingbirdGazetteer: Page 35, 6-CParking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Mazomanie & Sauk City
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Aldo LeopoldNature Center
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Dane County
Capital Springs Recreation Area & Nine Springs E-Way
Lake Farm Park is part of the CapitalSprings Recreation Area, as well as theNine Springs E-Way that, in turn,includes the Capital City State Bike Trail.The 328-acre park includes a wildlifepond, observation tower, Lake Waubesashoreline, grasslands and marshes. TheLussier Family Heritage Center is hometo the parks’ naturalists and the DaneCounty Historical Society. The center’slarge decks offer commanding views ofLake Waubesa wetlands. The NineSprings E-Way is a green hiking/bikingcorridor that extends seven miles fromDunn’s Marsh east to Lake Farm Park.Its large wetlands, sedge meadows andnative forests are ideal habitats for avariety of wildlife.Directions: Lake Farm Park’s address is3113 Lake Farm Road; the LussierFamily Heritage Center is next door.The Nine Springs E-Way entrance islocated at 1947 Moorland Road.
Phone: 608/224-3604Web: countyofdane.com/lwrd/parks Signature species: Wilson’sPhalarope, White-eyed vireo &Eastern KingbirdRare species: Forster’s Tern,Yellow-crowned Night-Heron &Acadian FlycatcherGazetteer: Page 36, D-1Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Madison & Monona
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Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark
The National Park Service has designat-ed this cave as a National NaturalLandmark. It is considered by theChicago Academy of Sciences as “thesignificant cave of the upper Midwest.”The cave houses spectacular crystallizedrock formations and shimmering poolsof water. The main cavern began form-ing more than a million years ago asacidic water dissolved the limestonebedrock. The rushing water of anunderground stream formed the lowerportion of the cave. Workers quarryinglimestone on the property accidentallyblasted into the cave in 1939. The con-stant 50-degree temperature under-ground makes it possible to tour thecave year around. Directions: Located at 2975 Cave ofthe Mounds Road. Travel 5 miles westof Mount Horeb on Hwy 18/151 toCave of the Mounds Road.
Phone: 608/437-3038Web: caveofthemounds.comSignature species: NorthernFlicker, Eastern Screech Owl &Turkey VultureRare species: Scarlet Tanager,Red-headed Woodpecker &Brown CreeperGazetteer: Page 35, D-5Parking: Parking lotsFee: A fee is charged for tourNearest food & lodging: BlueMounds & Barneveld
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11 Governor Nelson State ParkThis 422-acre day-use park is locatedon the northwest side of Lake Mendotaand borders the southwest unit of theCherokee Marsh State Wildlife Area.Itoffers a 500-foot sand beach, boatlaunch, prairie restorationsand 8 miles of hikingtrails. Along the trails aretwo accessible viewingplatforms with informationpanels that interpret thehistory of the landscape. A358-foot-long panthereffigy mound and severalconical mounds are locat-ed near the trail in the southern sectionof the park. The park’s woodlands andoak savannas draw Chipping Sparrows,Palm Warblers and Sedge Wrens. Thepark is named for Gaylord Nelson, aUnited States senator, Wisconsin gover-nor, and founder of Earth Day.Directions: From Middleton, exit Hwy12 at Cty M, then east 4.7 miles to thepark entrance at 5140 Cty M,Waunakee WI 53597.
Phone: 608/831-3005Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: Wild Turkey,Eastern Meadowlark & EasternTowheeRare species: Bobolink,Mourning Warbler & Yellow-breasted ChatGazetteer: Page 36, C-1Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Madison & Waunakee
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Lakeshore Nature PreserveThis 300-acre urban natural area isowned by the University of Wisconsin.It is bordered on the south and east bythe campus and to the north by LakeMendota. The preserve’s three miles ofshoreline includes Picnic Point, FrautschiPoint, Raymer’s Cove and Eagle HeightsWoods and Community Gardens. Morethan 258 bird species have beenobserved on the property including all34 wood warblers seen in the state. In2007 the property was named aWisconsin Important Bird Area. Diversehabitats hold many species of sparrows,woodland songbirds and water birds.Unusual sightings include all threeScoters and Western Grebes. Check theweb site for excellent property maps.Directions: Located north of UWHospital via University Bay Dr or LakeMendota Dr. Access the preserve fromany of five parking areas.
Phone: 608/265-9275Web:www.lakeshorepreserve.wisc.edu Signature species: Virginia andSora Rail, Marsh Wren & SandhillCraneRare: Worm-eating &Connecticut Warbler, Red-neckedGrebe and Lark SparrowGazetteer: Page 36, D-1Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Madison
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Pleasant Valley Conservancy State Natural Area
This property sits on a long narrowridge that runs almost due east/westwith steep hillsides facing both northand south, each supporting its ownsuite of species. The site contains oakwoodland, oak savanna, dry and wetprairie, sedge meadow, shrub-carr,open marsh and spring complex.Prairie remnants are thriving followingintensive management that began in1995. The oak savannas containnumerous large, open-grown bur andwhite oaks with many more than 150years old. The woodlands contain agood mix of showy spring wildflowers.Both the woodlands and savannas sup-port birds including Blue-gray Gnatcher,Scarlet Tanager, and Yellow-throatedVireo. Directions: From Black Earth, travelsouth 3.7 miles on Cty F to PleasantValley Rd, then east 0.75 mile to theentrance of the preserve. Park alongthe road. Please stay on the hiking trailthat loops through the site.
Phone: 608/266-7012Web: savannaoak.orgSignature species: Red-headedWoodpecker, AmericanWoodcock, Yellow-billed Cuckoo& Eastern KingbirdRare habitat: Oak Savanna,cold-water creek & spring-fedwetlandsGazetteer: Page 35, C-5Seasonality: Open daily, dawnto dusk.Parking: Parking areasNearest food & lodging: BlackEarth, Cross Plains & Mazomanie
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13 Pheasant Branch ConservencyThis 160-acre diverse property is com-prised of open water, marsh, springs,restored prairies, meadows, lowlandforest and wooded hills. The property ismanaged by Dane County Parks, theCity of Middleton and the DNR.10,000-year-old Native American effigymounds grace the property. Visitors tothis urban green space enjoy a diversityof birds, mammals and amphibians.From Sandhill Cranes and Barred Owlsto chorus frogs and deer, a trip to thisproperty will not disappoint the natureenthusiast. The Friends of PheasantBranch sponsor educational events andtours throughout the year. Directions: Located in northernMiddleton about 2 miles west ofGovernor Nelson State Park. Parkinglots and trailheads on the west side arelocated off Pheasant Branch Road, .6mile and 1.2 miles north of CenturyAvenue.
Phone: 608/242-4576Web: pheasantbranch.org Signature species: Clay-coloredSparrow, Barred Owl & CommonYellowthroatRare species: Snowy Owl &Bell’s VireoGazetteer: Page 36, D-1Parking: Parking lot Nearest food & lodging:Middleton & Madison
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15 University of Wisconsin ArboretumStart your adventure at the visitor cen-ter where you can check current birdingactivity with staff and pick up maps.The arboretum’s 1,260 acres bordersthe southern half of Lake Wingra. Itattracts waterfowl during migrationsand is considered to be the best placeto bird watch in Madison. Warblers andthrushes use the lush hardwood forests.The Curtis and Greene Prairies are greatplaces to look for grassland birds. Theproperty includes many distinct ecologi-cal communities, horticultural collec-tions, effigy mounds, historic artifactsand more than 20 miles of hiking trails.Free walks with naturalists are offeredeach Sunday and on some evenings aswell. Directions: The arboretum’s address is1207 Seminole Hwy. While there aremany perimeter parking lots withaccess, vehicle access is limited: fromthe east at the intersection ofMcCaffrey Dr, N. Wingra Dr and S. MillsSt; from the west at the intersection ofMcCaffrey Dr and Seminole Hwy, justnorth of Hwy 12.
Phone: 608/263-7888Web: uwarboretum.orgSignature species: Barred Owl,Swainson’s Thrush, Wilson’sSnipe & American WoodcockRare Species: Yellow-throatedWarbler, Kentucky Warbler & RedCrossbillGazetteer: Page 36, D-1Seasonality: Trails open daily7am-10pm; visitor center Mon-Fri9:30am-4pm, Sat & Sun 12:30-4pmParking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Madison
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Dodge CountyAny birder worth their binoculars knows that DodgeCounty is the home of the Horicon NationalWildlife Refuge – the largest freshwater cattailmarsh in the country. It is one of the continent’s bestbird watching destinations attracting 270 avianspecies each year.
The marsh’s 32,000 acres are managed in twosections: the northern 21,000 acres by the US Fish &Wildlife Service (www.fws.gov/midwest/horicon,
920/387-2658), and the southern 11,000 acres by the Wisconsin DNR(dnr.wi.gov), 920/387-7860). Both operate visitor centers with wildlifeprograms, observation towers, and interpretive exhibits.
On the south end of the marsh in Horicon, Horicon Marsh BoatTours/Blue Heron Landing offers further access to this magnificentwildlife area via guided tours aboard a 28-foot pontoon boat(www.horiconmarsh.com, 800/814-4474). On the north end, MarshHaven Nature Center just outside of Waupun offers interpretive dis-plays, exhibits, an observation tower, and hiking/biking trails (marsh-haven.com, 920/324-5818).
Fifteen miles south of Waupun in Beaver Dam, the DodgeCounty Historical Museum exhibits include tributes to local veter-ans, famous residents (Fred MacMurray), even a 1902 Rambler auto-mobile (www2.powercom.net/~dchs/Index.htm, 920/887-1266).
Nearby, Nancy’s Notions Retail Store sells sewing notions fea-tured on PBS’s famous “Sewing with Nancy” program (www.nancys-notions.com, 800/725-0361).
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area &International Education Center
Horicon Marsh is the largest freshwatercattail marsh in the country. The vastwetland is renowned for its migrantflocks of Canada geese, but is alsoused by nearly 300 different species ofbirds. The Horicon Marsh Parkway is a50-mile auto tour route that followsstate and county roadways around themarsh, passing through or near manylocal communities. There are also roads,hiking and biking trails throughout theproperty, and a canoe trail accessingthe waters of the marsh. The HoriconMarsh International Education Centerfocuses on wetland and wildlife topicsthat explain the natural relationshipsthat exist at the 32,000-acre property.Horicon National Wildlife Refuge islocated north of the state property, (seenext listing). Directions: Located off Hwy 28between Horicon and Mayville
Phone: 920/387-7860Web: dnr.wi.govSignature Species: Black-crownNight Heron, Purple Martin &OspreyRare Species: Horned & EaredGrebe, Vesper Sparrow & Red-shouldered HawkGazetteer: Page 38, A-1Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Horicon, Waupun & Mayville
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17 Horicon National Wildlife RefugeThe US Fish & Wildlife Service managesthe northern two-thirds of HoriconMarsh, totaling 21,000 acres. The prop-erty provides critical habitat for endan-gered species and thousands of migrat-ing and nestingbirds, especiallywaterfowl.Visitors can hikea unit of the IceAge ScientificReserve. Theycan also enjoy
biking, hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.The property includes a visitor center as well asa popular auto tour route, the TernPike. VisitMain Dike, Ledge and Rockvale Roads for excellent wildlife viewing.The Bud Cook Hiking Trail is popular with its observation platform andlarge spotting scope. Registered groups can enjoy environmental edu-cation programming that includes bus tours of the property.Directions: Marsh Haven Nature Center just east of Waupun on Hwy49 is one of few access points on the west side of the marsh. On theeast side, Main Dike, Ledge and Old Marsh Roads offer access. Themarsh’s federal visitor center is located at W4279 Headquarters Road,about 6 miles northwest of Mayville.
Phone: 920/387-2658Web:www.fws.gov/midwest/HoriconSignature Species: CanadaGeese, Forster’s Tern & CommonMoorhenRare Species: Bonaparte’s Gull,American Avocet & WhoopingCraneGazetteer: Page 45, D-7Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Mayville, Waupun & Horicon
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Shaw Marsh State Wildlife AreaThis 900-acre site is a mix of wetlandswith scattered upland prairie. Themarsh is a shallow wetland basinformed by the retreating WisconsinGlacier. Shaw Brook runs from north tosouth. It joins the Beaver Dam River inthe heart of the property. The marsh ispart of the Crawfish-Rock River system.It provides good habitat for wildlifeincluding deer and turkeys. Fox andcoyotes can be seen at dusk as theymove along the marsh edge in searchof food. The property is managed withprescribed burns to maintain theprairies in the uplands. The hiking trailsthat meander through the property areused by cross country skiers in the win-ter. Directions: From Beaver Dam, traveleast 1 mile on Hwy 33, then south 2miles on S Crystal Lake Road, then weston Parker Road. Access parking lots arefound on Parker, Shaw Hill, Blackbirdand S Crystal Lake Roads.
Theresa Marsh State Wildlife Area –Northern Unit
This property is located in DodgeCounty (Northern Unit), andWashington County (Southern Unit).Combined, the two units offer 5,990acres of grasslands, marsh, woodland,and cropland. Solomon Juneau firstdammed the Rock River here to powergrain and saw mills; the resultingflowage created ideal wildlife habitat.At the turn of the century, the damwas removed to facilitate agriculturalventures that ultimately failed. The DNRbegan purchasing land here in 1948.They constructed an earthen dam thatcreated the 1,500-acre flowage, addi-tional marshes and waterfowl refugesthat exist today. It’s a great place tohike, canoe, kayak and view wildlife –especially birds. Directions: From Lomira, travel south 4miles on Hwy 41 to Hwy 28 west.Access the marsh via Mohawk Rd onthe east side, or Pole Rd on the west.
Phone: 920/387-7860Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: Waterfowl,Wild Turkey & CommonYellowthroat Rare species: Yellow-billedCuckoo, Field Sparrow &BobolinkGazetteer: Page 37, A-6Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Beaver Dam
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Phone: 920/387-7860Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: AmericanWigeon, Northern Pintail &Canada GooseRare species: Great Egret,Wilson’s Phalarope & NorthernSaw-whet OwlGazetteer: Page 46, D-2Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Mayville
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Green CountyGreen County says “Willkommen” in so many ways.Amid the county’s rolling hills, Swiss emigrants fromthe Canton of Glarus first settled in 1845. Of course,they named their community New Glarus. Today, NewGlarus bills itself as America’s “Little Switzerland.” TheSwiss heritage here manifests itself in the architecture,the music, the folk art, the beer and the cheese –above all, the cheese.
For a craft-brewing bonanza, tour the New GlarusBrewing Co. and sample their “Spotted Cow,” (www.newglarus-brewing.com, 608/527-5850). Downtown, the Swiss HistoricalVillage Museum displays the area’s pioneer life and Swiss heritage infourteen historic buildings (www.swisshistoricalvillage.org, 608/527-2317). Just south of town, New Glarus Woods State Park offers32 family campsites (www.wiparks.net, 608/527-2335) as well asdirect access to the Sugar River State Trail, a 24-mile railbed bikingtrail running south to Brodhead (www.wiparks.net, 608/527-2334).
In southern Green County, Monroe is famous for its charmingdowntown that spreads out around its courthouse square. It is equallyfamous for its cheese factories that welcome visitors with samples andretail sales. The history of “Green County Gold” is on display at theHistoric Cheesemaking Center in the restored Monroe Depot(www.greencounty.org, 608/325-4636). You can also tour theMinhas Craft Brewery, the oldest continually operated brewery inthe Midwest, producing the award-winning lagers and ales of theBerghoff label (www.minhasbrewery.com, 608/325-3191).
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Brooklyn State Wildlife AreaLocated in both Green and DaneCounties, this 3,540-acre propertyincludes 5 miles of the Ice Age Trail.With more than 160 species observedhere, it is heavily used by birders. Theparking lot located just south of theDane County line on Cty D is neargrassland, savanna and woods. Here a“Wetlands Overlook” offers NorthernHarrier, Wild Turkey, Bobwhite Quailand the Yellow-breasted Chat. Theparking area just south on Cty DD hasa trail that meets the Ice Age Trail andis an excellent area to view manyspecies of warbler. Traveling north onthe trail takes you to “Crane Overlook”with a wonderful overview of the prop-erty. Travel south on this trail into ripari-an woodlots along Story Creek forcuckoos, flycatchers, thrushes and morewarblers.Directions: From Belleville, travel east2 miles on Cty D to parking lots.
Phone: 608/743-4800Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: Yellow-breasted Chat, Long-eared Owl,& Great Crested FlycatcherRare species: Bobwhite Quail,Upland Sandpiper & WesternMeadowlarkGazetteer: Page 28, B-1Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging: NewGlarus & Belleville
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Browntown-Cadiz Springs State RecreationArea & Browntown Oak Forest SNA
Green County is characterized by rollinghills and spring-fed valley streams. Atthis state recreation area, the impound-ment of a spring has formed two smalllakes that are the focal point of mostactivities. In the early spring and fall,good numbers of waterfowl movethrough the area and use the twolakes. There are 10 miles of hiking trailsthat become cross-country ski trails inthe winter. The Zander Lake Trail circlesthe lake and has interpretive stopsalong the way. Beckman Lake has asandy beach for swimming. Both lakesprovide canoeing, kayaking and sailingopportunities. Fishing is good with bothcold and warm water species present.Only electric motors are permitted onthe lakes. Directions: Located 6 miles west ofMonroe via Hwy 11, then south .5 mileon Cadiz Springs Road.
Phone: 608/966-3777Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: SandhillCranes, Northern Shoveler &Willow FlycatcherRare species: Common Loon,Horned Grebe, and Bell’s VireosGazetteer: Page 27, D-5Parking: Parking lotNearest food & lodging:Browntown, Cadiz Springs &Monroe
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22 Marbleseed Prairie Unit of York PrairieState Natural Area
This 40-acre parcel of formerly grazed,unplowed prairie is part of the YorkPrairie State Natural Area. Despite itsgrazing history, the site has manyunique prairie plants including a largepopulation of its namesake marbleseedplant. The topography and diverse veg-etation at this site as well as its locationin a large landscape creates conditionssuitable for a striking variety of grass-land and shrub-grassland birds. You canfind Field and Clay-colored Sparrows,Yellow Warblers, Willow Flycatchersand Bell’s Vireos here along withUpland Sandpipers that frequently soarand whistle overhead in the spring andsummer. Directions: From New Glarus, travelwest 7.5 miles on Hwy 39, then north.25 mile on York Valley Road to a smallpull-off and sign on the east side of theroad. Walk southeast into the naturalarea.
Phone: 608/266-7012Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: UplandSandpiper, Dickcissel, Henslow’s& Grasshopper Sparrow &BobolinkRare species: Bell’s vireo &Yellow-breasted ChatGazetteer: Page 27, B-5Parking: Roadside Nearest food & lodging: NewGlarus
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New Glarus Woods State Park New Glarus Woods is a 411-acre statepark with direct access to the SugarRiver State Trail. The property lies onthe edge of Wisconsin’s driftless areaand contains dense woodlands, nativewildflowers and deep ravines. Openareas that have been restored to prairieattract Grasshopper Sparrows andDickcissels. This property has a rich mixof bird life, especially warblers in springand fall. Some of the hiking trails areinterpreted and there are nature pro-grams and organized hikes offered bystaff and volunteers. Mammals com-mon here are coyotes, gray fox, deerand badger. Cty NN is part of thefamous “Old Lead Road” which con-nected Mineral Point to Milwaukee.Directions: From New Glarus, travel 2miles south on Hwy 69, then .1 milewest on Cty NN.
Phone: 608/527-2335Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: HermitThrush, Indigo Bunting & ScarletTanagerRare species: Warbling, White-eyed & Red-eyed Vireos, Yellow-billed CuckooGazetteer: Page 27, B-6Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging: NewGlarus
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Muralt Bluff Prairie State Natural AreaThis 62-acre prairie blankets a long,sweeping ridge in an area of older gla-cial drift midway between the glaciatedlands to the east and the Driftless Areato the west. Grasses of this dry-mesicprairie include side-oats gramma,Indiangrass, plains muhly and prairiedrop-seed. In the spring, outstandingdisplays of pasque-flower, shooting star,prairie smoke and bird’s-foot violet canbe seen. All summer long, the golden-rods and blazing stars attract butterfliesthat are abundant. Grassland birds arebecoming more common as prescribedfire and brush removal creates a larger,open landscape. The state-threatenedBell’s Vireo nests here as well as EasternBluebird, American Woodcock, FieldSparrow and Eastern Meadowlark.Directions: From Albany, go south andwest 2 miles on Hwy 59, then northand west 1.8 miles on Cty F, then south.1 mile on an access lane to a parkingarea.
Phone: 608/266-7012Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: Bobolink,Grasshopper Sparrow & WesternMeadowlarkRare species: Upland Sandpiper& Henslow’s SparrowGazetteer: Page 28, C-1Parking: Parking areaNearest food & lodging:Albany
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Sugar River & Badger State TrailBoth of these trails are former railbedssurfaced for biking and hiking. TheSugar River State Trail runs 23 milesacross Green County connecting NewGlarus, Monticello, Albany andBrodhead. It is a part of the Ice AgeNational Scenic Trail. A replica coveredbridge graces the trailnorth of Brodhead. Itcrosses several prairieremnants and theSugar River. Morethan 100 species ofbirds have beenrecorded along this
265-acre corridor. The Badger State Trail is a 40-miletrail extending from Madison to the Illinois StateLine. This well-connected trail links users to theCapital City, Military Ridge and Sugar River StateTrails. Highlight of the Badger include the 1,200-foot-long StewartTunnel, rock outcrops and historic bridges. Directions: Access these trails in the towns of Brodhead, Albany,Monticello, New Glarus and Bellville.
Phone: 608/527-2334 (SugarRiver) 608/527-2335 (Badger)Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: IndigoBunting, Orchard Oriole, EasternMeadowlarkRare species: Yellow-crownedNight-Heron, Sedge Wren,Western Meadowlark &Bobwhite QuailGazetteer: Page 27, B-6Parking: Parking lotsNearest food: Belleville, NewGlarus, Monticello, Albany,Brodhead & MonroeFees: Trail pass required
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Iowa CountySouth of Spring Green, Hwy 23 crosses the WisconsinRiver into Iowa County to three of the state’s most pop-ular attractions. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin VisitorCenter is the start of tours to the famed architect’sWisconsin home (877/588-7900, www.taliesinpreserva-tion.org). Just to the east on Golf Course Road,American Players Theatre performs a summer seasonof Shakespeare and other classics in an outdooramphitheater (608/588-2361,www.playinthewoods.org). A few miles further south
on Hwy 23 is the House on the Rock, Wisconsin’s most popular sin-gle attraction – an eclectic collection of fantasy and imagination(800/947-2799, www.thehouseontherock.com).
Dodgeville, the county seat, preserves its history with its elegant,but unpretentious county courthouse. Built in 1859, it is the oldestcourthouse still in use in the state. Three miles north of the city,Governor Dodge State Park is the state’s second largest with 5,000acres of fun, a pair of man-made lakes, and 270 family campsites(608/935-2315, www.wiparks.net).
To the south, miners from Cornwall, England were among the firstto settle Mineral Point. Some of their homes are preserved atPendarvis, a Wisconsin Historical Society site that offers tours led bycostumed interpreters, (866/944-7483, www.pendarvishistoricsite.org).More local history is displayed at the Orchard Lawn Museum, a CivilWar-era Italianate mansion (608/987-2884, www.mineralpoint.com).
Avoca Prairie & Savanna State Natural AreaThis 1,885-acre property lies within theLower Wisconsin State Riverway on anextensive outwash sand terrace alongthe Wisconsin River. The prairie andsavanna contains the largest natural tallgrass prairie east of the MississippiRiver. Frequent flooding has shaped thelandscape into low sandy ridges andlinear wetlands. The property boasts aplant list of more than 200 species. Itsoak openings contain large, open-grown black and bur oaks lookingmuch as they did during the originalland survey of 1833. This large, nativeprairie is a great place to look for grass-land species like the Upland Sandpiperand Bobolink.Directions: From Avoca, go east 1.5miles on Hwy 133, then north on HayLane across Marsh Creek 0.8 miles to amowed parking area. If the Marsh Creekcrossing is impassable due to high water,vehicles must park in the lot south ofthe creek. The site is also accessible bycanoe from the Wisconsin River.
Phone: 608/266-7012Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: EasternKingbird, Sedge Wren, &Grasshopper SparrowRare species: Red-shoulderedHawk, Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl & Blanding’s turtleGazetteer: Page 34, C-1Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Avoca, Muscoda or Spring Green
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Iowa County
Barneveld Prairie – Thomas Pasture TractThe Thomas Pasture is one of two unitsof The Nature Conservancy’s BarneveldPrairie Preserve. It is a remnant of theonce extensive tallgrass prairies foundin southern Wisconsin before Europeansettlement. This formerpasture on unplowedsod has few trails. Itincludes prairies on steepslopes and ridgetops, awet meadow in thecreek bottom, and a for-mer hayfield. Look forSavannah and Henslow’sSparrows and bobolinksin the more lush grass, and forGrasshopper and Field Sparrows,Eastern Meadowlark and Bell’s Vireo inthe dryer sites on the property. Directions: From Barneveld, travel west1.5 miles on Hwy 18/151 to Cty T, thensouth .75 mile on Cty T, look for TheNature Conservancy sign. Park on theeast side of Cty T near the sign. Walkeast to the kiosk to enter the prairie.
Phone: 608/251-8140Web: nature.org/wisconsinSignature species: Grasshopper,Field, Savannah & Henslow’sSparrowRare species: Bell’s Vireo,Yellow-breasted Chat, UplandSandpiper & Regal FritillarybutterflyGazetteer: Page 35, D-4 Parking: Parking areaNearest food & lodging:Barneveld or Dodgeville
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Barneveld Prairie State Natural AreaThis property encompasses two tractstotaling 971acres. It is a remnant of ahabitat known as tallgrass prairie thatcovered most of southern Wisconsinprior to settlement. Grassland birds thatare rare in other parts of the state arecommon here; the callof the bobolink andupland sandpipers takeone back to earlier days.Colorful butterflies boband weave across thesea of blooming wild-flowers and the windstoss the grasses like asea of waves. Directions: For the 79-acre ThomasPasture Tract, see the next listing. Toreach the Muehllehner addition fromBarneveld, travel south on Cty K 1.5miles to Langberry Road, then west .5mile to the junction of Lee andLangberry and a small parking area.
Phone: 608/251-8140Web: nature.org/wisconsin ordnr.wi.govSignature species: WesternMeadowlark, Upland Sandpiper& BobolinkRare species: Grasshopper &Vesper Sparrow & Hill’s thistleGazetteer: Page 27, A-4Parking: Parking along roadNearest food & lodging:Barneveld
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Lower Wisconsin State Riverway – Helena Unit
The Lower Wisconsin State Riverwayflows unimpeded 92.3 miles frombelow the dam at Prairie du Sac to itsconfluence with the Mississippi Rivernear Prairie du Chien. It encompasses40,000 acres of DNR land on both sidesof the river. It was created in 1989 toprotect and preserve the scenic beautyand natural character of the river valley,and to manage the resources of thearea for the long-term benefit of thecitizens of the state. The LWSR is divid-ed into 26 management units; theHelena Unit centers on Spring Green.There are 285 bird and 45 mammalspecies found within the riverway. Directions: From Spring Green, travelsouth on Hwy 23 or Hwy 14 to accessthe Helena Unit. Consult yourGazetteer for additional access alongthe river from Prairie Du Sac to theMississippi River.
Phone: 608/739-3188 or800/221-3792Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: Bald Eagle,Osprey, Common Merganser &Common GoldeneyeRare Species: Golden Eagle,Cerulean & Kentucky Warbler,Yellow-breasted ChatGazetteer: Page 34, C-3Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging: SpringGreen
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Governor Dodge State Park & Pine Cliff State Natural Area
This 5,000-acre state park offers uplandfields and prairies, hardwood forest,two man-made lakes and sandstonebluffs. The Pine Cliff State Natural Areawithin the park contains all threespecies of pine native to the state - red,white and jack. Good hiking trails takeyou from woodlands to open field andaround the lake, making it possible tosee many species of birds and wildlife.In the mature oak woods and savannaslook for warblers, nuthatches andwoodpeckers. Grasslands and prairierestorations harbor sparrows of allkinds. In shrubby areas, look for vireos,orioles, and warblers. The lakes attractmigrating waterfowl. Adjacent marshesshould be checked for Green Herons,American Bitterns and Sora Rails. Directions: Located 3 miles north ofDodgeville on Hwy 23.
Phone: 608/935-2315Web site: dnr.wi.govSignature Species: Clay-colored& Henslow’s Sparrow & Yellow-breasted ChatRare Species: Cerulean Warbler,Winter Wren, LouisianaWaterthrush & Bell’s VireoGazetteer: Page 34, D-2Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:DodgevilleFees: Park fees apply
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Iowa County
Military Ridge State Trail & Shake Rag TrailThe 40 mile-long Military Ridge StateTrail travels through Iowa and DaneCounties from Dodgeville to Verona.The trail follows an 1855 military roadand a former railroad corridor along theridge tops of this unglaciated corner ofWisconsin. The landscape includeswoodlands, wetlands, prairies, villagesand small cities as well as picturesquefarmland. The trail is constructed ofcrushed limestone. Its gentle grade isperfect for hiking and biking. There areseveral observation platforms adjacentto the trail. In Ridgeway the trail passesa historic railroad depot. The new, 6-mile Shake Rag Trail extends the funfrom Dodgeville to Mineral Point.Directions: Parking lots for the MilitaryRidge State Trail can be found inDodgeville, Ridgeway, Barneveld, Mt.Horeb and Verona.
Phone: 608/437-7393Web: dnr.wi.govGazetteer: Pages 26, 34, 35,27, & 28 (west to east) Parking: Parking lots along routeNearest food & lodging:Dodgeville, Ridgeway &BarneveldFees: State Trail Pass fee
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Mounds View GrasslandThis 500-acre preserve is owned by ThePrairie Enthusiasts. Its well drained,rolling topography has remnant prairie,extensive fields, active crop and pas-tureland, a few oak groves, areas ofdense brush, and cold-water streamswith associated spring-fed wetlands.The site is being gradually restored toits original prairie and savanna vegeta-tion. It is located within the MilitaryRidge Prairie Heritage Area, known forrobust grassland-dependent bird com-munities. This is a property that offersthe peaceful solitude that enhances ouroverall quality of life. Scan the horizonfor Short-eared Owls and NorthernHarriers. Listen for the whistle of theUpland Sandpiper.Directions: From Mt. Horeb, travelwest 3.5 miles on Hwy 18/151, thensouth on Cty F 4.9 miles to Reilly Rd(pay close attention to stay on F), thenwest on Reilly 0.5 mile until the roaddead ends at the preserve.
Phone: 608/845-7065Web: theprairieenthusiasts.org Signature species: Badger,Henslow’s & GrasshopperSparrow, Upland SandpiperRare species: Bell’s Vireo, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-breasted Chat, Regal Fritillarybutterfly, Red-tailed leafhopper &Pickeral frogGazetteer: Page 27, A-4Parking: Parking areaNearest food & lodging: Mt.Horeb, Blue Mounds, &Barneveld
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Tower Hill State ParkThis 77-acre state park takes its namefrom the mining of lead and productionof lead shot at this property in the1800s. Today, park visitors can tour therestored Helena Shot Tower and melt-ing house. Shot towers were used todrop molten lead 75+ feet into a basinof cooling water. During the free-fall,the lead became spherical. After cool-ing the shot was sorted by size andcould be further fashioned as necessary.The property is heavily wooded andborders the Wisconsin River. There are anumber of places to launch a boat orcanoe for a quiet day of fishing or pad-dling. Hikers will enjoy the challengingbluff trails that command panoramicviews of the beautiful countryside. Directions: Located on Cty C just offof Hwy 14, 2.5 miles east of SpringGreen.
Phone: 608/588-2116 Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: TurkeyVulture, Indigo Bunting &American GoldfinchRare species: Scarlet Tanager,Acadian Flycatcher, Broad-wingedHawk & Yellow-throated WarblerGazetteer: Page 34, C-3Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging: SpringGreen Fees: Park fees apply
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Jefferson CountySmaller than most, Jefferson County is large in funthings to do and see.
If you like to bike, the Glacial Drumlin State Trailtransects Jefferson County east-to-west (920/648-8774,www.wiparks.net). This 52-mile railbed trail runs fromWaukesha to Cottage Grove, a Madison suburb. Nearlyhalf the trail is in Jefferson County.
In western Jefferson County, Lake Mills straddles theGlacial Drumlin State Trail. This charming Victorian com-munity also graces the shores of Rock Lake. Nearby,
Aztalan State Park is one of the most important archeological sitesin the state – a stockaded village of the Middle Mississippian Indianculture (920/648-8774, www.wiparks.net). The Aztalan Museum,near the park, offers a pioneer village museum with log and brickchurches, 1840’s cabins and a school (920/648-4632).
To the east, at the intersection of Hwy 26 and I-94, JohnsonCreek Premium Outlets is a popular destination for bargain shop-pers (920/699-4111, www.premiumoutlets.com/johnsoncreek). Themall houses more than 60 name brand outlet stores.
To the south, Fort Atkinson was once the home of Wisconsin gov-ernor W.D. Hoard, considered the father of dairy farming in the state.His former home is now the Hoard Historical Museum & NationalDairy Shrine (920/563-7769, www.hoardmuseum.org). Today, thecity is best known as the home of the popular Fireside DinnerTheatre, staging five professional musicals each year (800/477-9505,www.firesidetheatre.com)
Dorothy Carnes County Park & Rose Lake State Natural Area
Dorothy Carnes Park is located on thewest, south, and east shores of RoseLake Marsh, one of the most diversewaterfowl areas in the county. RoseLake is a shallow, hard water seepagelake surrounded by wetlands, oakopenings, and steep hills that providefantastic views of the lake. Ducks,shorebirds and American White Pelicansuse the site. Prairie, savanna and wet-land habitats being restored attractadditional grassland birds, mammals,reptiles and amphibians. Two miles oftrails, an effigy mound and accessibleviewing platform give good access tothe best parts of this Jefferson CountyPark.Directions: From Fort Atkinson, gowest 1.2 miles on Hwy 12, then north.6 miles on Radloff Lane, then east tothe parking area.
Phone: 920/674-7260Web: www.co.jefferson.wi.us ordnr.wi.govSignature Species: AmericanWhite Pelican, Virginia Rail &Yellow-headed BlackbirdRare Species: Black Tern & GreatEgretGazetteer: Page 29, A-5Parking: Parking lotNearest food & lodging: FortAtkinson
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35 Glacial Drumlin State Trail – Jefferson County
This state trail runs 52 miles betweenMadison and Milwaukee, the state’stwo largest cities, along an abandonedrail corridor. It parallels Hwy 18 and I-94with access at many locations. This is agreat route for biking, hiking and birdwatching in three sea-sons. Just north ofJefferson, betweenHwy 26 and Cty Y, atwo-mile stretch runson Junction Rd withvery low traffic vol-ume. In winter, the
trail is used for X-C skiing and snowshoeing. Thetrail runs through diverse landscapes with gentlyrolling countryside, agriculture and wildlife areasproducing some interesting species of birds and wildlife. Directions: Access to the trail is offered in (west to east) CottageGrove, Deerfield, London, Lake Mills, Jefferson, Helenville, Sullivan,Dousman, Wales and Waukesha.
Phone: 608/266-2181Web site: dnr.wi.govSignature Species: BeltedKingfisher, Common Yellowthroat& Brown Thrasher Rare Species: AcadianFlycatcher, American Avocet &American White PelicanGazetteer: Page 37, D-5 & Page38, D-1 Parking: Parking lots along routeNearest food & lodging:Cottage Grove, Deerfield,London & Lake MillsFees: Trail fees apply
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Cambridge
London
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JohnsonCreekGlacial
Drumlin
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Trail
Rock Lake
LakeRipley
Crawfish
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AztalanState Park
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Hoard Historical MuseumThe Hoard Historical Museum is namedfor William Hoard, father of theWisconsin dairy industry. This local his-tory museum has several permanentcollections including the Bird Roomcontaining 500 birds and mountedspecimens done by the well-knownnaturalist Thure Kumlien. Born inSweden, Kumlien immigrated toAmerica in 1843 and divided his timebetween farming and his love ofbotany and ornithology. He raised hisfamily near Lake Koshkonong on fortyacres of virgin forest. He was anaccomplished artist, collector and taxi-dermist. He added much to our knowl-edge of the early flora and fauna ofJefferson County.Directions: Located south of the RockRiver in downtown Fort Atkinson justoff Main Street (Hwys 12 & 89) at 401Whitewater Ave.
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Phone: 920/563-7769Web: hoardmuseum.orgGazetteer: Page 29, A-6Seasonality: Open MD-LD Tues-Sat 9:30am-4:30pm, Sun 11am-3pm; LD-MD Tues-Sat 9:30am-3:30pm. Parking: Parking lotNearest food & lodging: FortAtkinson
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37 Jefferson Marsh State Wildlife Area & Jefferson Tamarack Swamp State Natural Area
Because of the exceptional viewing,birds have been monitored here sincethe 1800s. Habitat management bal-ances outstanding wildlife habitat withrecreational opportunities for visitors.At 3,000 acres, the area ranges fromopen water marsh in the south to a900-acre tamarack bog in the norththat is the Jefferson Tamarack SwampState Natural Area. This is the largestforested wetland in Jefferson Countyand one of the most extensive in south-eastern Wisconsin. The large acreagemakes it an important refuge for manyspecies of birds and animals. The sitealso contains one of the largest NativeAmerican mounds in the state.Directions: From Jefferson, go east 1.2miles on Hwy 18 to Cty Y and a park-ing lot; or turn southeast on Cty Y 2.5miles to 3 different parking lots central-ly located within the property.
Phone: 608/266-2621Web: dnr.wi.govSignature Species: EasternWood-Pewee, Marsh Wren &Sora RailRare Species: Forester’s Tern &Cerulean WarblerGazetteer: Page 37, D-6Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Jefferson
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Lake Mills State Wildlife Area & Zeloski Marsh Unit
This wildlife area is divided into twounits totaling 3,300 acres. The easternpart includes open water marsh, wetprairie, lowland hardwoods, tamarackand oak savanna uplands. The westernunit is known as the Zeloski MarshUnit. This 1,700-acre wetland restora-tion includes a series of six impound-ments where water levels are managedfor nesting waterfowl, shorebirds, andother species of plants and animals.The area is easily accessed via lanesestablished for property managementwork. The Glacial Drumlin Trail runsthrough Zeloski Marsh. The propertyprovides ample opportunities to seebirds throughout the seasons.Directions: The eastern unit: is locatedimmediately southwest of Lake Mills onCty A. For the western unit, continuesouthwest on Cty A to Cty S north 1mile to Alley Road west 1 mile to theparking lot.
Phone: 608/266-2621Web: dnr.wi.govSignature Species: Great BlueHeron, Sandhill Crane, NorthernHarrier, Black Tern & Wood DuckRare Species: Brewer’s Blackbird,Prothonotary Warbler, Short-eared Owl, Forester’s Tern &Sedge WrenGazetteer: Page 37, D-5Parking: Parking LotsNearest food & lodging: LakeMills
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LakeMills
Rock Lake
Glacial State TrailDrumlin
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Lafayette CountyLafayette County lies within the unglaciated area ofWisconsin in the driftless region bordering the State ofIllinois. With an area of 643 square miles, it has a popu-lation of just over 16,000.
The first European settlers came here in 1824 towork the area’s many surface lead mines. LafayetteCounty was formed in 1847 when the Legislature divid-ed Iowa County into two separate counties. TheSouthern portion became Lafayette County, named after
Marquis de Lafayette, hero of the Revolutionary War.While agriculture is the county’s leading enterprise, recreation and
tourism are growing. The Cheese Country Trail and other club trailswelcome horse, ATV and snowmobile riders. The eastern half of thecounty includes some excellent cold-water trout streams.Yellowstone Lake State Park in the northeastern corner of thecounty is a popular destination with 128 family campsites, good fish-ing and a nice swimming beach (608/523-4427, www.wiparks.net).
In the northwest corner of the county, tiny Belmont was thestate’s First Capitol for one session of the territorial legislature in1836 (608/987-2122, www.firstcapitol.org). The site’s two modestframe buildings once housed the legislature and the supreme court.To the south, tour the Badger Mine & Museum in Shullsburg whereyou can descend 51 steps into a lead mine hand-dug in 1827(608/965-4424, www.shullsburgwisconsin.org).
39 Belmont Prairie State Natural AreaLocated along the Pecatonica StateTrail, Belmont Prairie is a small mesic todry prairie remnant with more than 80species of native plants. This stretch ofprairie lies within a former railroadright-of-way, which is one reason forthe prairie’s preser-vation. The uninten-tional fires sparkedby the rails and straycinders from passingtrains preservedBelmont Prairie. Thefires encouraged thegrowth of nativeprairie grasses andforbs and kept thearea free fromwoody species encroachment. The areais only 36 acres in size but containsnative plants that attract some nicegrassland birds. Directions: From Hwy 126 in Belmont,walk or bike the Pecatonica State Trail1.2 miles to the eastern boundary ofthis SNA.
Phone: 608/266-7012Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: Dickcissel,American Goldfinch & SongSparrowRare species: Upland Sandpiper,Bell’s Vireo and Wild QuinineGazetteer: Page 26, C-1Parking: Parking lotNearest food & lodging:Belmont & PlattevilleFees: Trail fees apply
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40 Pecatonica State Trail & Cheese Country Trails
The Pecatonica State Trail traverses 10miles of the picturesque Bonner BranchValley from Belmont to Calamine whereit links to the Cheese Country Trail thatruns fromMineral Point toMonroe. ThePecatonicapasses throughfarmlandswhere you cansee grasslandbirds in goodnumbers. Thearea’s smallmarshes andwoodlands pro-duce flycatch-ers, vireos,ProthonotaryWarblers and perhaps a Yellow-breast-ed Chat. Bridges span several smallstreams along these biking and hikingtrails. One of the best ways to see thePecatonica River is by canoe or kayak.On the river, look for Western Kingbirdsand other flycatchers in the branches ofoverhanging trees; look for the nests ofswallows under the bridges. Directions: Access to these trails canbe found in Mineral Point, Belmont,Darlington, Gratiot, South Wayne, andMonroe.
Phone: 608/328-9430Web: tricountytrails.comSignature species: Field &Savanna Sparrow, Western &Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink,Bank and Rough-wingedSwallowRare species: Upland Sandpiper,Great Egret, Northern Harrier andShort-eared OwlGazetteer: Pages 26, C-1through page 27, D-6Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Belmont, Calamine, Darlington,Mineral Point & MonroeFees: Trail fees apply
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Belmont
Calamine
Darlington
Gratiot
Blanchardville
SouthWayne
Argyle
Monroe
Browntown
IOWA CO.
LAFAYETTE CO.
DANE CO.
GREEN CO.
Cheese
Country
Trail
PecatonicaState Trail
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Yellowstone Lake State Park & Yellowstone Savanna State Natural Area
Together, this State Park and NaturalArea total nearly 1,000 acres. The SNAcan be accessed from the Blue Ridge,Green Valley and Savanna Trails. (TheSavanna is located along the shorelineof the lake.) Nearly 100 avian speciesnest here, so you should have no trou-ble adding to your birding list. You canhike a trail through lowland forest andmarsh to a dike built out into the lake.It’s a good place to see waterfowl,herons, rails and Great Egrets. In theshrub areas, look for flycatchers andthe Blue-winged Warbler. The uplandhardwood areas in the park are placesto see woodpeckers, thrushes, vireosand warblers. Yellowstone Lake is 455acres in size and is a good fishing lake.Many bathouses harbor thousands ofbats that help keep the mosquito popu-lation low. Directions: From Blanchardville, travelwest 8 miles on Cty F, then south onLake Road one mile to the park office.
Phone: 608/523-4427Web: dnr.wi.govSignature Species: Little BrownBat, Whip-poor Will, WillowFlycatcher & Blue-wingedWarblerRare Species: Great Egret,Henslow’s & GrasshopperSparrow & DickcisselGazetteer: Page 26, B-3 & 4Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Darlington & ArgyleFees: Park fees apply
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Yellowstone State Wildlife AreaThis 4,000-acre property is contiguouswith Yellowstone State Park andNatural Area, lying west and south ofthe park. It is mostly rolling uplandgrass and farm fields with scatteredwoods and oak savanna. These habitatscombine to harbor a host of birdsincluding Great-horned and BarredOwls, Bob-White Quail, Yellow andBlack-billed Cuckoos, Dickcissels,Grasshopper Sparrows and Bobolinks.Both Eastern and WesternMeadowlarks can be found here alongwith Red-tailed Hawks. Rough-leggedHawks are here in the winter alongwith Horned Larks and LaplandLongspurs. The trails that take youthrough the interior of the propertycross the Yellowstone River at differentlocations and are a good way to seethe property. Directions: Located west and south ofYellowstone Lake State Park. Access itfrom Cty F or G.
Phone: 608/523-4427Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: White-eyedVireo, Sedge Wren, Eastern &Western MeadowlarkRare species: Yellow-crownedNight-Heron, Orchard Oriole,Bell’s Vireo & Hooded WarblerGazetteer: Page 26, B-3 & 4Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Darlington & Argyle
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Richland CountyBordered on the south by the Wisconsin River, RichlandCounty is a maze of ridgelines and valleys. This is thedriftless area of Wisconsin – a corner of the state notbulldozed by the last great Wisconsin glacier.
Creeks and streams and rivers drain the valleys ofRichland County. Most are spring-fed, cold-waterstreams that hold brown and brook trout. Their namesare as colorful as their fish: Gault Hollow Creek, JohnHill Creek, Dieter Hollow Creek and Fancy Creek to
name but a few of dozens. This is fly-fishing heaven where you canliterally fish a different creek every week of the season.
Richland Center is the county seat. The Starlite 14 Drive-InTheater is one of only a few outdoor theaters left in Wisconsin (608-647-3669). Downtown, the Valley Antique Mall offers three floorsof antiques and collectibles, displayed by more than 30 dealers(608/647-3793). Also downtown, the Court Street CommercialHistoric District encompasses 69 buildings in the ten-block areaaround Court Street.
Krouskop Park, off Hwy 14 on the city’s northwest side, includesan excellent 9-hole disc golf course with some tightly wooded holesand slight elevation. On the Pine River Recreation Trail, you cantake a lazy bike ride up a lazy river – 15.8 miles from Richland Centerto Lone Rock on a gentle railbed trail (800/422-1318, www.richland-chamber.com). Along the way you’ll cross 15 bridges that span themeandering Pine and its tributaries. One bridge is a whopping 241feet long. Town Parks in Gotham and Lone Rock offer pleasant reststops.
Ash Creek Community ForestThis 355-acre county conservationproperty is an excellent place to spotwarblers and other migrating songbirdsin the spring. It produces good birdsthroughout the yearas well. Four milesof hiking trailsthrough the proper-ty allow you toexplore spring-fedAsh Creek, shrubbylowlands, pond andforest habitat. Thereis some open grass-land scatteredthrough the low-lands. Look for flycatchers, CommonYellowthroats, American Goldfinch andIndigo Buntings. Ash creek is a Class Itrout stream, one of many in this coun-ty.Directions: Travel south of RichlandCenter on Hwy 80 about 2 miles.
Phone: 800/422-1318Web: rclrs.net/parkcommissionSignature species: Blue-wingedWarbler, Willow Flycatcher &Great-crested FlycatcherRare species: PileatedWoodpecker & Blue-grayGnatcatcher Gazetteer: Page 33, B-7Parking: Parking lotNearest food & lodging:Richland Center
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Lower Wisconsin State RiverwayKnapp Creek Unit
Lower Wisconsin State RiverwayBlue River Unit
Lower Wisconsin State RiverwayLone Rock Unit
Lower Wisconsin State Riverway - KnappCreek, Blue River & Lone Rock Units
These three units of the LowerWisconsin State Riverway total morethan 3,000 acres. There is good birdingfrom your car as you drive along thehighway. Take your time. Many parkingareas lead to hiking trails and bridgesthat take you across creeks and theriver. Travel the side roads that runclose to the river and back into the hol-lows and valleys. Bald Eagles nest alongthe woods where the trees meet themarshes. Sandhill Cranes glean insectsfrom the fields. Warblers, sparrows and
orioles call from brushy roadsides and treetops. Directions: North of the river, travel Hwy 60 from Boscobel to LoneRock; south of the river, travel Hwy 133.
Phone: 608/935-3368Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: Black-billedCuckoo, Bald Eagle, Osprey &Bob White QuailRare species: Red-headedWoodpecker, Acadian Flycatcher& Yellow-crowned Night-HeronGazetteer: Page 33, C-5 thruPage 34, C-1Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging: LoneRock, Gotham, Muscoda & BlueRiver
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45 Pier Natural Bridge County ParkThe Pier family donated the land forthis county park to preserve the site’svery unusual geological feature; a half-mile-long, narrow finger of blocked andlayered sandstone that rises nearly 60feet above the flood plain of two merg-ing valleys. Tall red pines top the rock.The west and main branches of thePine River meet underneath the rock,forming a natural bridge. The park hastwo historical markers: one that high-lights the rock formation, and anotherthat recognizes the significance of theBlackhawk War in this area. There is astairway to the top of the rock forma-tion that gives you a great view of thecountryside. A manmade tunnel allowsyou to walk through the rock formationto the west Branch of the Pine River. Directions: Located on Hwy 80 justsouth of Rockbridge.
Phone: 800/422-1318Web: rclrs.net/parkcommissionSignature species: Cliff & BankSwallow, Blue Jay & EasternWood-PeweeRare Species: Yellow-throatedVireo, Red-shouldered Hawk &Great EgretGazetteer: Page 34, A-1Parking: Parking lotNearest food & lodging:Rockbridge & Richland Center
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Pine River County TrailThis crushed limestone, abandonedrailbed trail runs 14.3 miles betweenRichland Center and Lone Rock.Richland County maintains the trail forbikers and hikers in the warmer weath-er, and snowmobilers in the winter. Thetrail follows the PineRiver to its conflu-ence with theWisconsin River justsouth of Gotham,crossing the river sev-eral times and pass-ing 250-foot-highriver bluffs. The beststretch is along Hwy
60 from Gotham to Lone Rock where the trail androad hug the edge of Bogus Bluff next to the Wisconsin River. Thetrail passes farmlands, woods, ridge-tops, marshes and several nicetown parks making for a pleasant day of birding.Directions: Access to the trail is found in Richland Center, Lone Rock& Gotham.
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Phone: 800/422-1318Web: rclrs.net/parkcommissionSignature species: EasternBluebird, Song Sparrow, White-eyed Vireo & Golden-crownedKingletRare species: Red-headedWoodpecker, Bob White Quail &Whip-poor WillSeasonality: Open all yearexcept for deer gun seasonGazetteer: Page 34, B-1 to C-2Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Richland Center, Lone Rock &Gotham.
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Rock CountyThe Rock River is the single, dominant terrain feature ofRock County. It flows south out of Lake Koshkonong tothe Illinois border, bisecting the county and its two largestcities, Janesville and Beloit.
With 2,000 acres of scenic parkland along the river,Janesville is truly “Wisconsin’s Park Place.” A visitorfavorite is the Rotary Gardens, a 20-acre internationallythemed botanical garden (608/752-3885, www.rotarygar-dens.org). Nearly twenty percent of Wisconsin’s buildingslisted on the National Register of Historic Places can be
found in Janesville, including the Lincoln-Tallman House, a 26-roomItalianate-style mansion where President Lincoln once slept (800/577-1859, www.rchs.us). On Wednesday and Sunday evenings in summer,the city’s Rock Aqua Jays, perennial national champions, put on a ter-rific waterski show at Traxler Park (800/487-2757,www.rockaquajays.org).
Five miles northeast of Janesville, visit the Milton House Museum(608/868-7772, www.miltonhouse.org). This 1844 stagecoach inn wasonce a station on the Underground Railroad, complete with a secrettunnel.
In southern Rock County, Beloit is home to Beloit College and itsLogan Museum of Anthropology, which houses 160,000 archaeo-logical objects from 122 countries (608/363-2677, www.beloitcol-lege.edu/logan). The city’s Angel Museum displays the largest private-ly held angel collection in the world (608/362-9099, www.angelmuse-um.com). West of town, the Beckman Mill is one of the few workinggristmills left in the state (608/362-4703, www.beckmanmill.org).
Avon Bottoms State Wildlife & State Natural Area
Avon Bottoms straddles the Sugar Riverin the southwestern corner of RockCounty. Its 1,500 acres consists of low-land hardwood forest, wetlands, marsh,sloughs and mesic prairie. It alsoincludes a State Natural Area of 168acres in the floodplain of the meander-ing river. The property’s forest containslarge silver maple, swamp white oakand green ash as well as sycamore treesat the northern limit of their range.Bird life is diverse here with nestingCerulean and Prothonotary Warblers,Yellow-breasted Chat and Yellow-crowned Night-Heron. Wildlife hereincludes a variety of reptiles, amphib-ians and invertebrates. One of the bestways to view this property is by canoeor kayak on the Sugar River.Directions: Travel west of Beloit 10miles on Hwy 81 to parking areas locat-ed off Nelson or Avon Store Roads.
Phone: 608/273-5955Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: Yellow-billedCuckoo, Prothonotary Warbler &Whip Poor WillRare Species: AcadianFlycatcher, Cerulean Warbler &OspreyGazetteer: Page 28, D-1 & 2Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging: Beloit
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Big Hill ParkThis 190-acre city park offers the birdwatcher a large wooded area along thesandstone bluffs on the west side ofthe Rock River. The park has a naturetrail loop that leads from the bluffs tothe river and thenfollows a former rail-road grade. There’salso a scenic over-look with spectacularvistas, and an envi-ronmental educationcenter. During thespring, the RockRiver serves as amigratory route forhawks, passerines and waterfowl of alltypes making a trip to this park worth-while. The park offers guided hikes dur-ing the summer and also serves as aday camp for area youngsters.Directions: From Beloit, travel north1.5 miles on Afton Rd/Cty D to Big HillRd east to the park.
Phone: 608/364-2929Web: www.ci.beloit.wi.usSignature species: Barred andGreat Horned Owl, Kinglets, &Scarlet TanagersRare species: Orchard Oriole &Tufted Titmouse Gazetteer: Page 29, C-4Parking: Parking lotNearest food & lodging: Beloit
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Cook Memorial ArboretumOne of the best places to look for birdsnear Janesville is the Cook Arboretum.Owned by the local school district, theproperty is part of a larger forest sys-tem on the west side of the Rock Rivernorthwest of the city. The area supportsbreeding populations of birds that aresensitive to forest frag-mentation. More than125 species of birds arelisted on the property’sspecies list. An ongoingresearch project at thesite is surveying popu-lations of Hooded andCerulean Warblers andAcadian Flycatchers.There is an excellenthiking trail linking the property’s variedhabitats. Because of its proximity to theriver, the arboretum holds birds in allseasons. Directions: From Janesville, travel west1 mile on Cty A to its intersection withAustin Road.
Phone: 608/758-6553Signature species: TuftedTitmouse, Blue-winged Warbler &White-eyed VireoRare species: Cerulean &Hooded Warbler & AcadianFlycatcher Gazetteer: Page 28, C-4Parking: Parking lotNearest food & lodging:Janesville
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Rock River Prairie State Natural AreaJust north of Big Hill Park, this small butrich property lies on the east-facingslope of a gently rolling terrace abovethe Rock River. The dry-mesic prairiecontains several rare plant speciesincluding prairie thistle, prairie bushclover and prairie false dandelion. Inthe spring, showy displays of pasque-flower and cream wild indigo can beseen. More common forbs are silkyaster, shooting-star, prairie-smoke,birds-foot violet, smooth yellow flax,fringed puccoon, downy gentian andspiderwort. The northern portion of thesite contains a small oak opening beingrestored by brush removal and pre-scribed fire.Directions: From Beloit, go north onHwy 51 about 3 miles, then west 1.1miles on Town Line Rd, then south .8mile on Walters Rd. Park in the parkinglot on the south side of the area.
Phone: 608/275-3266Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: EasternMeadowlark, Great Blue Heron &Black-billed CuckooRare species: Dickcissel,Grasshopper & Field SparrowGazetteer: Page 29, C-4Parking: Parking lotNearest food & lodging: Beloit
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51 Storrs Lake & Lima Marsh State Wildlife Areas
Sprinkled through the northeastern cor-ner of Rock County, these two areasoffer more than 2,500 acres of marsh,bog grasslands, lake and hardwoodhabitats. There are 3 small potholelakes at Storrs Lake that attract ducksand interesting shorebirds in low wateryears. Yellow-headed Blackbirds nest onRound Lake. Look for good songbirdmigrations in April-May and again inAugust-September. Lima Marsh StateWildlife Area attracts waterfowl, railsand cranes. Wilson’s snipe is commonhere and can be heard with regularityin the spring. Lima Bog is a tamarackbog. Because of its proximity to oakwoodlots, it attracts flycatchers, cuck-oos, Field Sparrows and Red-headedWoodpeckers. Directions: From Milton, travel 1 mileeast on Storr’s Lake Road. Other accessis via Bowers Lake Road, Hwy 59, toCty N.
Phone: 608/273-5955Web: dnr.wi.govSignature Species: CommonLoon, American Restart,American Bittern & Bob WhiteQuail Rare species: Least Bittern, RedCrossbill & Red-headedWoodpecker Gazetteer: Page 29, B-5Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging: Milton
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4433
Aldo Leopold Legacy CenterLeopold said, “That land is a communi-ty is the basic concept of ecology, butthat land is to be loved and respected isan extension of ethics.” He definedconservation as a way of life in whichthe land does well for its people, peo-ple do well by their land, and both endup better for the partnership. Today,the Leopold Center honors that ethicby demonstrating how a building canachieve carbon neutrality. Visitors learnmore about Leopold, green buildingtechnology, and how to live lightly onthe planet. Leopold’s best-known work,A Sand County Almanac has inspiredgenerations to think naturally. Directions: Located about 7 milessoutheast of Wisconsin Dells betweenI-90/94 and the Wisconsin River onLevee Road 2 miles east of its junctionwith Cty T.
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Sauk CountyThe Wisconsin River forms the southern, and much ofthe eastern border of Sauk County from WisconsinDells/Lake Delton in the county’s northeastern cor-ner to Spring Green in the southwestern corner.
River scenery, duck rides, waterparks and myriadfamily amusements have made Wisconsin Dells/LakeDelton a Wisconsin tourism legend. Check them allout at www.wisdells.com, or call 800/223-3557.
Seven miles to the south, Baraboo is the countyseat and home of the new Aldo Leopold Legacy
Center, a must-stop for environmentalists (608/355-0279,www.aldoleopold.org). Nearby, you can visit Circus World Museumoffering Big Top performances in the summer and terrific displays ofcircus memorabilia year-round (866/693-1500, www.circusworldmuse-um.com). South of town, Devil’s Lake State Park offers spectacularbluff-top views, swimming, kayaking and 407 family campsites(608/356-8301, www.wiparks.net).
Eight miles west of Baraboo in tiny North Freedom, the NorthContinent Railway Museum keeps the age of the steam enginealive (800/930-1385, www.midcontinent.org). Diesel train rides areoffered daily in summer.
Southeast of Baraboo at Merrimac, the Merrimac Ferry offersfree ferry rides across the Wisconsin River on Hwy 113 (608/246-3806, www.dot.Wisconsin.gov/travel/water/merrimac.htm). It’s fun –there’s an ice cream stand on either end of the ferry.
South of Merrimac and just across the river from Prairie du Sac,the Wollersheim Winery offers tours and tastings at the state’s old-est winery (800/847-9463, www.wollersheim.com).
Phone: 608/355-0279Web: aldoleopold.org Gazetteer: Page 43, D-6(E13701 Levee Road)Seasonality: Center is open Apr14-Nov 1, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm;Oct 31- Apr 13, Mon-Sat 10am-4pmParking: Parking lotNearest food & lodging:Baraboo & Portage
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Bakken’s Pond State Natural AreaBakken’s Pond is a great destination forbirders. Journal entries from a localbirder note “eagles’ nest and young,woodlands filled with warblers, SandhillCranes incubating eggs and NorthernHarriers skimming the grasslands.” Inthe spring and fall, large concentrationsof waterfowl are found here. This prop-erty lies within the Lower WisconsinState Riverway and features a cold,spring-fed stream with southern sedgemeadow and oak barrens. There isextensive wet meadow of bluejointgrass and sedges, scattered woody veg-etation and bottomland forest border-ing the Wisconsin River, all offeringexcellent habitat for a large variety ofbirds.Directions: From Spring Green, gowest 3 miles on Hwy 14, then south onDyke Road 0.6 mile, then west onKennedy Road 0.6 mile to parking lot.
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Phone: 608/266-7012Web: dnr.wi.govSignature Species: Black Tern,Pine Warbler, Bald Eagle &Yellow-headed BlackbirdRare Species: Blanding’s Turtle,Great Egret & Blanchard’s cricketfrogGazetteer: Page 34, C-2Parking: Parking lot off KennedyRoadNearest food & lodging: SpringGreen & Lone Rock
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International Crane FoundationThis 225-acre preserve includes restoredtall grass prairie, wetlands, and oaksavanna suitable for displaying theworld’s 15 remain-ing species ofcranes. The facilityincludes a researchlibrary, captivebreeding and vet-erinarian services,a visitor’s center,outdoor amphithe-ater, indoor videotheater, and giftshop. Cranes are one of the oldest liv-ing families of birds and also the mostendangered. The foundation not onlystudies the birds, but also is the onlyinstitution in the world to breed all fif-teen species. Since 1990, WhoopingCrane chicks have been raised here forrelease into the wild in an effort torestore other populations.Directions: Located two miles south ofWisconsin Dells via Hwy 12, then easton Shady Lane Road.
Phone: 608/356-9462Web: Savingcranes.orgSignature Species: All 15species of cranes in the worldGazetteer: Page 43, D-5(E11376 Shady Lane Rd)Seasonality: Open for tours May1-Oct 31,daily 9am-5pmParking: Parking lotNearest food & lodging:Baraboo & Wisconsin DellsFees: Admission fee
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Riverland Conservancy - Merrimac PreserveThis 1,800-acre Alliant Energy preserveis a mosaic of prairie, shallow wetlands,oak savanna, and woodlands that liesbetween the southeast corner of Devil’sLake State Park and the WisconsinRiver. Flowing from thepark, Manley Creektransects the propertyand enhances this majoravian migration corridor.The preserve promotesconservation, protectionand restorations of thearea’s lands, waters andnatural communities. Inaddition to its own interpreted trails,four miles of the Ice Age Trail passthrough the property. With all of thediversity found here, you can expect toadd a few new birds to your checklist.Directions: From Merrimac follow Hwy113 west and north about 2 miles tomarked parking lots (S6888 Hwy 113),or access the property from MarshRoad.
Phone: 608/458-3818Web: riverlandconservancy.org Signature Species: TurkeyVulture, Wild Turkey & EasternBluebirdRare Species: Yellow-billedCuckoo, Sedge Wren & LarkSparrowGazetteer: Page 35, A-6Parking: Parking lots on Hwy113Nearest food & lodging:Baraboo
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Spring Green Prairie & Spring GreenPreserve State Natural Area
Spring Green Prairie is known as“Wisconsin’s Desert” this 1000-acrelandscape is a rolling sand prairie on anold terrace of the Wisconsin River. TheNature Conservancy opens this propertyto visitors for hiking, photography andbird watching. The dry sandy soils con-tain many desert-like plants that thrivein several sand blows with shiftingdunes and open sand. There are alsooak barrens, woodlands, high qualitydolomite dry bluff prairie, and dry cliffcommunities. A population of pocketgophers lives here among interestinggrassland birds and plants that arefound in few other places in the state. Directions: From Spring Green, gonorth 0.5 mile on Hwy 23, then east0.75 mile on Jones Rd, then north onAngelo Lane to a parking area. Trailslead through the site.
Phone: 608/266-7012 or608/381-0746Web: dnr.wi.gov or tnc.orgSignature Species: Prickly pearcactus, Dickcissel, Grasshopper &Lark SparrowRare Species: Six-linedracerunner and blue racer lizards& bullsnakeGazetteer: Page 34, C-3Parking: Parking areaNearest food & lodging: SpringGreen
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Walworth CountyWalworth County’s glacial legacy includes a handful oflarge lakes and lake systems, as well as a lobe of theSouthern Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Geneva Lake is the largest of the lakes. Along itsshores, Lake Geneva has been a resort community sincejust after the Civil War when wealthy Chicago familiesbuilt their summer homes here. You can see thesegrand homes from the water aboard a Lake GenevaCruise Line dinner, sightseeing, or Dixieland cruise(800/558-5911, www.cruiselakegeneva.com). Several
popular golf resorts, sailing, swimming and shopping round out thesummer fun here.
The world’s largest lens-type telescope is housed at YerkesObservatory in nearby Williams Bay. Tours of this University ofChicago facility are offered on Saturdays only at 10 & 11am and noon(262-245-5555, astro.uchicago.edu/yerkes).
Between Lake Geneva and Delavan on Hwy 50, bring the kids toLake Geneva Animal Gardens where they can see exotic animals andpet their barnyard favorites (262/728-8200, www.animalgardens.com).
The kids will also like Watson’s Wild West Museum in Elkhornwhere guided tours offer cowboy fun in a reproduction of an 1880’swestern general store (262/723-7505, www.watsonswildwestmuse-um.com). Local and Civil War history are displayed at the WebsterHouse Museum (262/723-4248, www.geocities.com/walcohistory).
To the north in East Troy, the East Troy Electric Railroad Museumis one of the last pieces of a large trolley system that once operated inthe metro-Milwaukee area (262/642-3263, www.easttroyrr.org). Ten-mile trolley rides are still offered.
Big Foot Beach State ParkThis 272-acre state park is located onLake Geneva, a large, deep lake withclean, clear water that draws goodspecies of birds. In the spring and fall,the lake is a good place to see numer-ous species of migrating ducks includ-ing Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye,Common Merganser and the occasionalHorned or Eared Grebe. The park hasmore than 5 miles of hiking trailsthrough forest and open meadow. Theoak woods found here is habitat forGreat-crested Flycatcher, NorthernFlicker, Hermit Thrush and AmericanRobin. The park offers 100 campsites, aswimming area, sandy beach, picnicareas and good fishing on the lake orfrom the park piers. Directions: Located 2 miles south ofLake Geneva via Hwy 120, at 1550 S.Lake Shore Dr.
Phone: 262/248-2528Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: Great-horned Owls, Eastern Kingbird,Marsh & Sedge WrenRare species: Wood Thrush,Eastern Meadowlark & BobolinkGazetteer: Page 30, D-2Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging: LakeGenevaFees: Park fees apply
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Kettle Moraine Oak Opening State Natural Area
Located within the Southern Unit ofthe Kettle Moraine State Forest, andincluded as an Important Bird Area, this659-acre SNA lies in a rugged land-scape of glacially formed kettle holes,kames and gravelly hillsand ridges. The area isa mix of oak openingand woods dominatedby open-grown bur andblack oaks. Small dryprairie openings occuron gravel knobs andsteep ridges. Bald Bluff,the largest and mostdiverse of these, contains short grassprairie. This property is important forspecies of birds that require savannaand upland forest habitat including theAcadian Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird,Brown Thrasher and Hooded, Ceruleanand Kentucky Warbler. Directions: From Palmyra, travel south2.7 miles on Cty H to the Bald Bluffparking area, east of the road.
Phone: 262/594-6200Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: Great-horned Owl, White-breastedNuthatch, Red-bellied & HairyWoodpeckerRare species: Red-headedWoodpecker, Golden-crownedKinglet, Golden-winged WarblerGazetteer: Page 30, B-1Parking: Parking areaNearest food & lodging:Palmyra
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Turtle Creek State Wildlife AreaThis 1,035-acre SWA snakes alongTurtle Creek for 10 miles in westernWalworth and eastern Rock Counties.The property is broken into 4 segmentswith 10 road crossings and parking lotsscattered along its length. Some hikingtrails provide access. The habitat issedge meadow, shrub carr, hardwoodforest, and small prairie remnants. Thebird life is rich with savanna, woodland,and water birds in abundance. Yellow,Blue-winged and Golden-wingedWarblers can be found in the brushyand marshy areas, with EasternMeadowlark, Brown Thrasher and LarkSparrow in the brush and shrub carrareas. Look for large fall and winterconcentrations of Canada Geese.Mammals here include mink, coyotes,fox, deer, opossum and fox squirrels. Directions: Access the property westof Delavan via Hwy 11 or Cty M.
Phone: 414/263-8606Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: ProthonotaryWarbler, Red-shouldered Hawk,Henslow’s SparrowRare species: Cerulean Warbler,American Redstart & Yellow-crowned Night-HeronGazetteer: Page 29, C-7Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Delavan
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Painted Turtles.
White River State Trail – Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail
This 11-mile former railbed trail runseast from Elkhorn to the Walworth-Racine County line. The trail is used forhiking and biking in the warmer weath-er, and snowmobiling in the winter. A2-mile stretch between Springfield andLyons is open to horseback riding. Thetrail goes past numerous bridges, scenicvistas, quaint towns, farmland and wet-lands making for interesting birdwatching. While there are scatteredremnant prairie patches that containnative grasses and wildflowers, the richsoils here have been converted to agri-
culture. An historic grain elevator near the trail in Springfield is areminder of that agricultural heritage. Directions: To access the Elkhorn trailhead from Hwy 12, take theCty NN exit west and then turn left (south) on Cty H about .6 milesouth to the trailhead parking lot.
Phone: 262/741-3114Web: co.walworth.wi.us ordnr.wi.govSignature species: Horned Lark,Chipping & Field Sparrow,Rough-wing, Barn & BankSwallowRare species: Northern Harrier,Belted Kingfisher & BobolinkGazetteer: Page 30, C-1Parking: Parking lots Nearest food & lodging:Elkhorn & BurlingtonFees: State Trail Pass fee
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Washington CountyWith the rolling hills of the Kettle Moraine to thenorth and metro Milwaukee to the south, WashingtonCounty is a rich blend of industry and recreation.
In West Bend, the county seat, The Museum ofWisconsin Art displays the exquisite paintings ofGerman/American master Carl Von Marr (262/334-9638, www.wbartmuseum.com). Around the corner,the Old Courthouse Square Museum displays local his-tory (262/335-4678, www.historyisfun.com).
To the east, the Riveredge Nature Center inNewburg preserves 370 acres of prairies, forests, ponds and marshesalong the Milwaukee River (800/287-8098, www.riveredge.us).
In the southern half of the county, the Wisconsin AutomotiveMuseum in Hartford displays a rare collection of Kissel, Nash andPierce-Arrow automobiles (262/673-7999, www.wisconsinautomuse-um.com). East of town, the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle MoraineState Forest offers an observation tower and 32 family campsites(262/670-3400, wiparks.net). Travelers from around the world visit theShrine of Mary at Holy Hill near Hubertus; the church built highatop the hill is said to have mysterious healing power (262/628-1838,www.holyhill.com).
In the southeastern corner of the county, Germantown has pre-served its “old world” heritage in the Dheinsville Historic Park(262/628-3170, www.visitwashingtoncounty.com). The facilityincludes the Bast Bell Museum displaying a collection of 5,000 bells.
Allenton & Theresa Marsh State Wildlife Area
The Allenton SWA is strung along theEast Branch of the Rock River in west-ern Washington County. It is the site ofan old glacial lake that is today wood-ed bottomland. There are two 10-acreimpoundment lakes on the propertyalong with several dozen small pondsand other wetlands, making it a goodplace for birders. The larger TheresaMarsh is located north of the AllentonSWA; about half the property is inWashington County with the other halfin Dodge County. Together, these twoproperties offer more than 7,000 acresto explore. They are often thought ofas a mini-Horicon Marsh; many of thesame birds and wildlife can be found inboth places. Directions: From Allenton, travel CtyW south 2 miles to the property.Theresa SWA can be accessed by travel-ing north 4 miles on Hwy 41 to Cty Dwest. (Or, see Theresa SWA in theDodge County section.)
Phone: 414/263-8500Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: SandhillCrane, Marsh Wren, SwampSparrow & Snow GeeseRare species: Rough-leggedHawk, Northern Harrier, Bobolink& American BitternGazetteer: Page 38, A-3Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Allenton & West Bend
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Jackson Marsh State Wildlife Area & State Natural Area
This 2,312-acre property is Wisconsin’ssouthernmost white cedar swamp. Atthe core of the property is the 1,571-acre Jackson Swamp, a matrix of low-land hardwoods, white cedar andtamarack. The property includes twodiked flowages and several additionalpothole lakes. Waterfowl of all typesuse these habitats in the spring andfall. Upland fields are in permanentgrass cover or are cropped to providewildlife food and cover. The JacksonMarsh SNA harbors 212 acres ofmature silver maple forest with yellowbirch and black ash, along with somewhite cedar and tamarack. The shrublayer is winterberry and ground cover ina mix of sedges, sphagnum moss andblooming flowers. Directions: From the intersection ofHwys 45 and 60 near Jackson, go east3 miles on Hwy 60, then north on CtyG, which bisects the property.
Phone: 414/263-8500Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: Sharp-shinned Hawk, White-throatedSparrow & Blue-winged WarblerRare species: Kentucky,Mourning, Canada and Black-throated Green Warblers Gazetteer: Page 39, B-5Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Kewaskum & West Bend
Lac Lawrann ConservancyLocated in West Bend, this conservancypark is a beautiful and peaceful 104-acre natural area managed for naturestudy and passive outdoor recreation.The park boasts a bird list of 200species, as well as 300 species ofplants. Located at the confluence oftwo lobes of the Wisconsin glacier, thepark presents several examples of inter-esting glacial landforms. As the glaciersretreated, they left moraines inter-spersed with steep-sided kettles formedas blocks of ice in the glacial debrismelted. Other classic examples of gla-cial geology found here include akame, esker and kettle lakes. There is aself-guided trail system that extendsthrough or alongside tall grass prairierestorations, pine and hardwoodforests, lake and wetlands. Directions: Located at 300 SchmidtRoad. Follow Hwy 33 east to SchmidtRoad to the park entrance.
Phone: 262/335-5080Web: www.ci.west-bend.wi.us Signature species: AmericanTree & Chipping Sparrow,Swainson’s Thrush, Gray Catbird& Chestnut-sided WarblerRare species: Northern Saw-whet & Long-eared Owl, &Yellow-billed Cuckoo Gazetteer: Page 39, A-4Parking: Parking lotNearest food & lodging: WestBend
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Lizard Mound County ParkThis park contains 47 effigy moundsbuilt from 500 to 1000 A.D. Listed onthe National Register of Historic Places,the park was established in 1950 topreserve what is one of the best moundgroups in the state. The park is namedfor its most outstanding mound,shaped like a gigantic lizard. Thesemounds are especially impressive asthey are of prominent height (threefeet) and show that great care wastaken in the construction of each. Thepark’s self-guided anthropological trailguides you to more than 20 well-pre-served effigy mounds. Markers alongthe trail tell the story of the people thatbuilt the mounds and their use of theplants and animals found in the area. Directions: Located at 2121 Cty A inthe Town of Farmington. From WestBend, travel north 2 miles on Hwy 144to Cty A east to the park.
Phone: 262/335-4400Web: co.washington.wi.usSignature features: Lizard, bird& panther moundsGazetteer: Page 39, A-5Seasonality: Open Apr 1-Nov15, dawn to duskParking: Parking lotNearest food & lodging: WestBend
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Milwaukee River Floodplain Forest State Natural Area
This 119-acre property is located alongthe East Branch of the Milwaukee River.It features a bottomland hardwood for-est with small upland islands in theriver. The site also containsdry-mesic forest and shrub-carr. Large silver maple andgreen ash with hackberrydominate the well-struc-tured floodplain forestwith black ash and bur oaktrees. The ground layerplants include bedstraw,sensitive fern, waterparsnip and green dragon.Shrubs include dogwoods, prickly ashand hawthorn. This is a good place towalk in the early morning to look forIndigo Buntings, Song Sparrows,Common Yellowthroats and Catbirds. Directions: Located within theNorthern Unit of the Kettle MoraineState Forest. From Kewaskum go east 2miles on Hwy 28, the south 1.2 mileson Oak Drive Rd. The site lies .1 milewest of the road.
Phone: 414/263-8500Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: Blue-GrayGnatcatcher, Barred & Great-horned OwlRare species: Brown Creeperand longear sunfishGazetteer: Page 46, D-3Parking: Parking areaNearest food & lodging:Kewaskum
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Waukesha CountyMetro-Milwaukee meets rural Wisconsin in WaukeshaCounty. The eastern half of the county is suburbanMilwaukee; the western half is known as “lake coun-try” with eight large lakes in the northwestern cornerof the county and 22,000 acres of the Southern Unitof the Kettle Moraine State Forest in the south-western corner (262/594-6200, www.wiparks.net).
The Waukesha County Historical Society &Museum in the City of Waukesha is housed in the old
county courthouse on Main Street (262/251-2859, www.waukesha-countymuseum.org). Built in 1893, this Romanesque beauty exhibitslocal and regional history. West of town, the Retzer Nature Center isa 403-acre refuge with woodland, wetland and prairie habitats per-fect for birding (262/896-8007, www.waukeshacounty.gov/parks).
West of Waukesha in Delafield, tour the grounds of the St. John’sNorthwestern Military Academy (800/752-2338, www.sjnma.org).With cadets on parade and an 1884 castle-like building, it’s a mini-West Point. South of town the Lapham Peak Unit of the KettleMoraine State Forest offers a spectacular view of the countrysidefrom atop its observation tower (262/646-3025, www.wiparks.net).
Southwest of Waukesha near Genesee Depot, Ten Chimneys, theeclectic Wisconsin retreat of Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and LynnFontanne, is open for tours summer and fall (262/968-4110,www.tenchimneys.org). In the southwestern corner of the countynear Eagle, visit Old World Wisconsin, a collection of 60 historicbuildings operated and interpreted by the Wisconsin Historical Society(866/944-7483, www.oldworldwisconsin.org).
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham PeakAt 1,233 feet above sea level, LaphamPeak is the highest point in WaukeshaCounty. Its glaciatedtopography offers 21miles of hiking trails,including a portion ofthe Ice Age NationalScenic Trail. A 45-footobservation towergives you a panoramicview of the country-side, as well as greatlooks at Turkey Vultures that fly belowyou. The bird life in the park is excellentwith many species of thrushes, vireosand warblers seen. In the spring andfall hawk migrations, the observationtower puts you at eye level with manyof the birds moving through the area.There are also 5 miles of mountain biketrails and access to the 115-mile KettleMoraine Scenic Drive. Directions: Located 1 mile south ofInterstate 94 near Delafield via Cty C.
Phone: 262/646-3025Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: Broad-winged and Sharp-shinnedHawks, Scarlet Tanager & TurkeyVulture Rare species: Golden-wingedWarbler, Veery & AcadianFlycatcherGazetteer: Page 38, D-2Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Delafield, Oconomowoc, Wales &Dousman
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Kettle Moraine State Forest - SouthernUnit, Scuppernong River Habitat Area &Scuppernong Prairie State Natural Area
The southern unit of the KMSF is 30miles long and totals 20,000 acres. Itstraddles three counties – Waukesha,Jefferson and Walworth. Within itsboundaries lies the 3,500-acreScuppernong River Habitat Area, thelargest mesic prairie east of theMississippi River, and the very diverseScuppernong Prairie SNA. The Ice AgeNational Scenic Trail meanders throughthe entire length of the property.Wildlife viewing here is exceptional at
any time of the year. Standing among the wildflowers on theScuppernong Prairies and hearing the call of grassland birds is awe-inspiring. You’ll want to revisit this area throughout the seasons. Directions: From Eagle in Waukesha County, the best access is northon Hwy 67, west on Hwy 59, or north on Hwy N – headquarters andmuseum off Hwy 59.
Phone: 262/594-6200Web: dnr.wi.govSignature species: Bobolink,Western Meadowlark & Short-eared OwlRare species: Upland Sandpiper,Franklin’s Ground Squirrel &Badger Gazetteer: Page 30, A-1-2Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging: Eagleand Whitewater
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Lulu Lake Preserve & State Natural AreaLulu Lake encompasses 1,800 acres andis an exceptional property owned byThe Nature Conservancy and DNR. Itwas designated a State Natural Area in1977. It supports high quality anddiverse wetland and upland communi-ties on glacial topography in the KettleMoraine region. Many of the naturalcommunities protected here have beenvirtually eliminated from southeasternWisconsin. The Nature Conservancyand DNR work to preserve the highquality stream, wetlands and oak open-ings that support the rare plants andanimals found here. Management ofthe site is aimed at protecting health ofthe entire Mukwonago RiverWatershed. Directions: Located at N9564 NatureRoad. From the town of Troy Center,take Nature Road 1.5 miles north, thenturn right at the driveway to the park-ing area.
Phone: 262/642-7276Web: nature.org or dnr.wi.govSignature species: Cooper’sHawk, Osprey & Sandhill CraneRare species: long-ear sunfish,Blanding’s Turtle, kitten tail (plant)& pickerel frog Gazetteer: Page 30, B-2Parking: Parking lotNearest food & lodging: Eagle
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69 Nashotah County ParkSeveral larger, deeper lakes surroundthis 443-acre park in the lake countryof Waukesha County. Early naturalistsIncrease Lapham and Thure Kumlienkept records of the flora and fauna ofthis area in the early1830s. The park has aquiet atmosphere, is amix of habitats and hastwo shallow lakes –Forest and Grass Lakes– that draw good num-bers of migratingwaterfowl in springand fall. Nature trailslead through the landscape shaped bythe glacier that today supports oak for-est and savanna, deep and shallowmarsh, and meadows. Each of thesehabitats has its own set of birds. Manywoodland and grassland species nesthere. Directions: From Hwy 16 at Nashotah,travel north 1 mile on Cty C to the parkentrance and parking lot.
Phone: 262/548-7790Web: waukeshacounty.govSignature species: Blue &Green-winged Teal, Chestnut-sided Warbler & WillowFlycatcherRare species: Red-shoulderedHawk, Bobolink & Carolina WrenGazetteer: Page 38, C-2Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Nashotah, Hartland,Oconomowoc & Delafield
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71 Retzer Nature CenterThis 403-acre county property includesoak savanna, oak forest, marsh, fen,streams, ponds, pine plantations, grass-lands and restored prairies. The glaciallandscape includes a drumlin with com-manding views of adjacent drumlinsand the stream valley. The center offers5 miles of trails for hiking, snow-shoe-ing and cross-country skiing. TheAdventure Trail is a handicapped acces-sible paved walkway with 30 interpre-tive stops highlighting Wisconsin plantsand wildlife. You can join a bird hike onFridays in the spring, or venture out onyour own to see many species of birds.The center hosts more than 5,000 stu-dents annually through its environmen-tal education program, and sponsorspublic events throughout the year.Directions: Located at W284 S1530Cty DT, 2.5 miles west of Waukesha,midway between Waukesha and Wales,just south of Hwy 18.
Phone: 262/896-8007Web: waukeshacounty.govSignature species: UplandSandpiper, Bobolink, Henslow’sSparrow, & Northern HarrierRare species: Yellow-throatedVireo, Mockingbird & Yellow-breasted ChatGazetteer: Page 38, D-3Seasonality: Grounds opendaily, dawn-dusk; nature centeropen daily 8am-4:30pm.Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging:Waukesha
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70 Old World WisconsinOld World Wisconsin is a 573-acreproperty operated by the WisconsinHistorical Society. It showcases 65 his-toric buildings in five ethnically themedvillages. It is the Midwest’s largest livinghistory museum. The site encompasses9 plant communities with 5 miles ofgravel roads and hiking trails that windthrough natural areas and the historicvillage and farmstead restorations. Birdlife is good here with breeding pairs ofSandhill Cranes, Black Terns and Pied-billed Grebes. A recently rejuvenatedEastern Bluebird trail is a welcome addi-tion to the property. The habitat foundhere includes wetlands, oak woodlands,red pine plantings, open grassland, oaksavanna, prairie remnants and restora-tions. Directions: Located at S103 W37890Hwy 67, Eagle 53119. Located 1.5miles south of Eagle on Hwy 67.
Phone: 262/594-6300Web:oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org Signature species: Black Tern,Sandhill Crane & Pied-billedGrebeRare species: Red-breastedNuthatch & Pine WarblerGazetteer: Page 30, A-2Parking: Parking lotsNearest food & lodging: Eagle,Mukwonago & DelafieldFees: Admission fee
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County ContactsThese contacts, in each of the thirteencounties in the Southern Savannaregion, are ready to help you planyour outdoor adventure. They can sug-gest accommodations and restaurants,as well as attractions and other histori-cal, cultural and environmental oppor-tunities.
Columbia County Tourism & EconomicDevelopment608/742-6161, 800/842-2524www.travelcolumbiacounty.net
Portage Area Chamber of Commerce608/742-6242, 800/474-2525www.portagewi.com
Greater Madison CVB608/255-2537, 800/373-6376www.visitmadison.com
Dodge County Tourism Association920/386-3701, 800/414-0101www.dodgecounty.com
Green County Tourism608/328-1838, 888/222-9111www.greencounty.org
Dodgeville Area Chamber ofCommerce608/935-5993, 877/863-6343www.dodgeville.com
Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce608/987-3201, 888/764-6894www.mineralpoint.com
Jefferson County Area Tourism Council920/563-3210www.jctourism.com
Lafayette Development Corporation608/776-8080www.lafayettecounty.org
Richland Center Area Chamber/MainStreet608/647-6205, 800/422-1318www.richlandchamber.com
More Sources of Tourism InformationRock County Tourism Council608/757-5587, 866/376-8767www.rockcounty.org
Janesville Area CVB608/757-3171, 800/487-2757www.janesvillecvb.com
Beloit CVB608/365-4838, 800/423-5648www.visitbeloit.com
Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce608/356-8333, 800/227-2266www.baraboo.com
Sauk Prairie Area Chamber ofCommerce608/643-4168, 800/683-2453www.saukprairie.com
Walworth County Visitor’s Bureau262/723-3980, 800/395-8687www.visitwalworthcounty.com
Lake Geneva Area CVB262/248-4416, 800/345-1020www.lakegenevawi.com
Washington County CVB262/677-5069, 888/974-8687www.visitwashingtoncounty.com
Waukesha & Pewaukee CVB262/542-0330, 800/366-8474www.visitwaukesha.org
Wisconsin Dells Visitor & ConventionBureau608/254-4636, 800/223-3557www.wisdells.com
More Birding ResourcesNational Audubon Society800/542-2748www.audubon.org/states/wi
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge920/387-2658www.fws.gov/midwest/Horicon
Wisconsin Department of NaturalResources608/266-2621www.dnr.wi.gov
TravelGreenWisconsinThe success of Wisconsin’s tourism industry has been largely dependent upon thequality and diversity of our natural resources – the state’s scenic lakes, streams,rivers, forests, prairies, and the wildlife that inhabit them. Understanding this,Wisconsin is committed to preserving this pristine natural product.
Travel Green Wisconsin is a Wisconsin Department of Tourism ini-tiative that encourages tourism operators to reduce their environ-mental impact. Designed to promote smart, eco-friendly businesspractices, Travel Green is a win-win concept. Launched in 2006,the program has been embraced by every sector of the state’stravel and hospitality industry.
As you travel, look for the Travel Green Wisconsin logo.Businesses displaying the Travel Green certificate demonstrate theircommitment to a sustainable Wisconsin tourism industry.
For more information, visit www.travelgreenwisconsin.com
Hurley
Marinette
Hudson
Superior
La Crosse
Grant CountyBeloit
Kenosha
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism operates eightWisconsin Welcome Centers at major highway entrances tothe state. They’re great places to stop for maps, travel informa-tion, trip planning, brochures and publications, vacation ideas,or just a friendly smile and directions to the nearest restaurant.
Centers distribute free publications thatdetail Wisconsin accommodations,attractions, events, golfing, camping,biking, birding, state parks, and his-toric attractions. You can also orderthese free publications on-line atwww.travelwisconsin.com, or call toll-free 800/432-8747.
Justa fewsmilesaway.
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Bird watcherscanpay their wayThrough the simple act of buying a MigratoryBird Hunting and Conservation or “Duck” stampat your post office, you join conservationistswho contribute directly to their hobby of bird
watching. Sales of the stamp raise$25 million dollarsannually in the USand are sold toconservationists,hunters and stampcollectors. Since1934, $7 milliondollars worth ofstamps have been
purchased in Wisconsin. Ninety-eight cents fromeach dollar is used to fund wetland wildlifehabitat acquisitions. These waterfowl produc-tion areas include Necedah and HoriconNational Wildlife Refuges, among others.
Conserve habitat & your hobby...Buy Duck Stamps
rom the mossy shadows of Parfrey’sGlen to the soaring majesty of PlumLake Hemlocks, discover the treasures
of Wisconsin’s prairies, bogs,forests, and fens with this guideto 150 of our finest State NaturalAreas. The perfect companion forhikers, birders, and nature lovers,this 184-page, spiral-bound bookdescribes the plants, animals, andnatural communities found inthese special places. Color mapsand detailed driving directions toeach site are also included.
Proceeds from the sale of “Wisconsin, naturally” willbe used to protect our state’s natural heritage forfuture generations.
To order, please send a check or money order(payable to Endangered Resources Fund-Guidebook) to:
Wisconsin DNR - Guidebook - ER/6P.O. Box 7921Madison WI 53707-7921
Price is $15.00 plus shipping* (tax included)
*Shipping costs are $3.00 for 1-2 books or $5.00 for 3-10 books.
The Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail benefits from andis supported by contributions to the Endangered Resources Fundthrough your Wisconsin income tax form, through the purchaseof Endangered Resources license plates for your vehicle, or by
direct donations to the Endangered Resources Program at; Endangered Resources Program
WDNR P.O. 7921
Madison, WI 73707 (608) 266-7012
ER 662 2008
The Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail Guide ispresented in part by the following sponsors.
For more information visit www.wisconsinbirds.org/trailor travelwisconsin.com
ER-662 2008