Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine | Spring 2025

Deerme!

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, but sometimes it’s a few well-chosen words that complete the picture.

Send your captions via email to dnrmagazine@wisconsin.gov Or jot them down and mail by May 1 to:

We’re starting a new interactive Page 2 feature in this issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine: Caption This. We’ll provide the photo — an interesting snapshot highlighting our state’s natural resources — and you give us the short, fun caption to add to the enjoyment.

DNR magazine PO Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707

We’ll pick some of the best suggested captions to share in the next issue.

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LOOKING FORWARD

FROM THE SECRETARY

Greetings,

My name is Karen Hyun, and as you may have seen, Gov. Tony Evers recently appointed me as the newest secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. The opportunity to lead this organization and serve the people of Wisconsin is an incredible honor and privilege.

Wisconsin is known for its world-class natural resources, wildlife and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Our thousands of miles of rivers and streams, 15,000 lakes, spectacular public lands and the many ways people enjoy them make our state a special place to call home. What’s more, the outdoor opportunities persist throughout the year — in Wisconsin, there is no off-season for outdoor recreation.

Although new to the DNR, I’ve spent my career working on natural resources, stewardship, environmental policy and conservation issues. I have spent much of my life dedicated to understanding, conserving and promoting the natural resources and spaces we all know and love.

Prior to my appointment, I served as chief of staff of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration since 2021. Before that, I held several roles across multiple federal agencies, including as deputy assistant secretary for fish, wildlife and parks at the Department of the Interior.

Outside of government service, I’ve worked as the director of water and coastal policy for the National Audubon Society, where I coordinated initiatives focused on coastal resilience, marine conservation and coastal stewardship before becoming the organization’s vice president of coastal conservation in 2018.

DONATE TO SUPPORT CONSERVATION

If you’re filing your state taxes soon, don’t forget to support the DNR’s Endangered Resources Fund in the process!

Just find the “donations” area on the Wisconsin tax form and check the Endangered Resources Fund box to give. You also can look for the donations section in your tax software program or let

Karen Hyun

The Wisconsin DNR has a wide variety of responsibilities, more than similar agencies in many other states. Still, our foundation is simple — we’re here to ensure that we safeguard and provide access to safe water to drink, clean air to breathe and exceptional opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Each of these is a priority for Gov. Evers and will be for me in my role as DNR secretary.

Achieving this vision starts with an incredible staff. I firmly believe any organization’s greatest asset is its people, and I’ve already seen that to be true here at the Wisconsin DNR.

As secretary, I will support and encourage our staff to be the experts they are in their respective fields. I’ll lean on their experience and expertise to make the decisions necessary to ensure that Wisconsin’s ecosystems, wildlife, natural spaces and resources remain accessible, safe and available for future generations.

However, as you know, we can’t do it alone. Protecting our natural resources for everyone requires us all to be part of the solution.

I look forward to working with the DNR’s strong and diverse team, the Natural Resources Board, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and our many partners and stakeholders to leave things better than we found them for the future.

Lastly, I look forward to working alongside you, the people of Wisconsin, our visitors and everyone who loves our state and its incredible natural resources. It’s through, for and because of you that we do this work. For that reason, I want to extend an open invitation to share your feedback with us here at the DNR.

Enjoy this issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, and I hope to see you at one of our state properties as the Wisconsin State Park System celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2025!

your tax preparer know you want to give.

Donations are tax-deductible and matched by the state dollar for dollar to help fund work that supports the state’s vulnerable plant and animal species.

Scan the QR code or go to dnr.wi.gov/tiny/971 to learn more.

DANIEL ROBINSON

NEWS YOU CAN USE

INSPIRED BY EARTH DAY

Another Earth Day is just around the corner on April 22. Wisconsinites have plenty of opportunities to celebrate by volunteering in the Wisconsin State Park System as part of the Work Play Earth Day statewide event series.

Earth Day holds special meaning in the state since it was founded in 1970 by Sen. Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin native and one-time governor who died in 2005. Nelson’s goal was to raise awareness and spur action on environmental issues.

More than 50 years later, Earth Day endures.

Work Play Earth Day offers the chance to join together for projects that cover stewardship, sustainability, conservation, recreation, habitat improvement and more. To find Work Play Earth Day volunteer opportunities near you, check the DNR events calendar at dnr.wi.gov/events

And volunteer opportunities in the Wisconsin State Park System don’t end there. Friends Groups give their time to enhance state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas year-round.

Learn more about Friends Groups at dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/friends and get details on volunteering at dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/volunteer. Find something you love and sign up today!

MASS TIMBER MATTERS

Mass timber continues to build momentum in Wisconsin. These sustainably engineered wood products will be used in a 31-story Milwaukee apartment tower project, The Edison, getting underway on the Milwaukee River across from Fiserv Forum.

When complete in 2027, The Edison would become North America’s tallest mass timber building, at about 360 feet. Downtown Milwaukee already boasts a 284-foot mass timber tower, the 25-story Ascent apartment building (featured in the fall 2023 issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, issuu.com/articles/32899682).

Known for its strength and versatility, mass timber is growing in popularity in the building industry. The DNR’s Forest Products team is at the forefront of the movement, working with stakeholders and partners, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, to educate builders on mass timber and advance the use of stateproduced mass timber products.

Learn more about these innovations in a multiepisode series of the “Into the Outdoors” educational program for kids. Coordinated with the DNR and USDA Forest Service, the episodes aired during Forest Products Week last October and are now available at intotheoutdoors.org/watch.

CELEBRATE WISCONSIN’S GREAT WATERS

There’s still time to submit entries for the 2025 Great Waters Photo Contest and Writing Project, with a chance to be featured in the latest calendar saluting Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and the Mississippi River. Deadline is April 1.

Photos should highlight recreation, natural elements, wildlife or historical and cultural features of Wisconsin’s Great Waters. Writings (about 200 words) can be original poems, songs, short essays or stories inspired by these waters.

Top entries will be used in the 2025-26 Great Waters calendar as well as other DNR publications, webpages and displays. Learn more and get complete contest rules and entry instructions at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3296.

Volunteers can help with a variety of projects at state properties.

Artist rendering of The Edison.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

POETRY FROM THE FROG FRONT

DNR conservation biologist Andrew Badje, coordinator of the Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey, received some fun feedback last summer from a regular survey volunteer — a frog-inspired poem written by Laura Mortimore of Lyndon Station.

When Badje asked if she’d like to share her verses, Mortimore replied she was “happy to spread widely the froggin’ love (and) excited to have my first published poem be one about friends, frogs and connecting with nature!” Maybe it will inspire you to join the Frog and Toad Survey; go to dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2186 to learn more.

Frogging by Laura Mortimore

The frogs are skedattling across the road. Another one! Chirp chirp buzzzzzz whizzzzz whizzzzz

This spaceship is taking off into the night sounds, bird calls, moonlit cumulous clouds. Follow the goddess into the sky.

Ride her crystal mane through the thick warm air. Say goodnight to the sun and hello to the stars.

WINTER’S A WINNER

I really enjoyed the winter issue … everything seemed better. I usually just take a quick glance and recycle, but this issue has been different. Almost all of the articles were very interesting to me. I enjoy the activity and topic-based articles. My family has been reading them, too. Artwork, formatting and print quality seemed better as well. Overall great job. I'm looking forward to the next issue.

Bob Mach Green Bay

Write in by emailing dnrmagazine@wisconsin.gov or send letters to:

DNR magazine, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707

Let the calls from the mud, the earthly source, connect you  with the  cosmic divine. Greet her with an open heart.

THAT’S A DANDY!

I took this photo in my backyard one morning (last September) while waiting for my dog. The weather was lovely, and the dew caught my eye since it made the dandelion almost look frozen. I thought it was pretty and my mom suggested sending it into your magazine.

Brenna Bellmer Pewaukee

KEEP ON GROWING

Saw the article on roadside plants (“WisDOT turns to native plants,” summer 2024). Just had to show you my front yard here in Eau Claire. Been growing my garden for about 10 years — from seed, Prairie Moon Nursery.

It’s about 20 feet square; I don't have to mow! But I do have all the bees, birds and butterflies in the neighborhood. Eau Claire allows front yard gardens and speaks of what can be planted on the boulevard, with limitations mainly related to height — so they don’t block views when people want to back out of their driveway. Plant the boulevard if you choose.

Dan Perkins

Eau Claire

Editor’s note: Matthew Staudenmaier, Eau Claire city forester, confirms this sort of intentional gardening (“not a weed patch”) is welcomed there. “Yes, more please!” he said. Staudenmaier cites the benefits such as stormwater mitigation and aid to pollinators while noting individual plantings can be a cost-effective way to help the environment without added expense for the city. “Even though it might seem insignificant, it really does add up.”

Eau Claire streets and fleet manager Aaron Nicholson adds that the city supports such efforts provided residents submit a proposal outlining types of plants to be used and maintenance plans. Please keep in mind that rules for growing gardens near sidewalks and roads may not be the same where you live. Always check local rules before planting.

OWL INFO APPRECIATED

I enjoyed seeing the information about ethical owling and other great fun facts about owls! Thanks so much for including it in your winter issue.

One small thing: It says, “Barn owls are common in the southern part of the state.” The common species listed should have been “barred owls,” since barn owls are a fairly rare species in Wisconsin. Again, thanks so much for highlighting owling. It's such a wonderful birding activity.

Kaitlin Svabek director of communications Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance

THANKS FOR THE MEMORY

I wanted to share a photo from my trip fishing for king salmon in the Milwaukee River this past fall. It was an incredible experience. I am an avid fly-fisher from Minnesota, and the tributaries in Wisconsin have provided me with an amazing opportunity to experience the strength and beauty of this fish firsthand. It’s a privilege to catch such an incredible species. Thank you, Wisconsin DNR team, for all the work you do to maintain and support our fisheries.

Desiree Xiong Minneapolis

SNAKES ALIVE

Great article (“Long winter’s nap,” winter 2024) to bring the outdoors into our living room. I just wanted to share my discovery with you. I was walking on some land I own near Elkhart Lake when I came across two garter snakes. Not abnormal to see them, but this was December and overcast.

Twenty minutes later, I found this one starting to go down a mole hole. The other one was nowhere to be seen. My thought was that the day before was sunny, and this area is open enough to receive some direct sunlight.

I have seen frogs and garter snakes in November but never this late in the season. If we are not on the land and observant, this will be missed.

Arthur Chevrier Sheboygan

RYAN BRADY

Barred owl

Celebrating

Vital wetland areas dish a big assist to Wisconsin’s ecosystem

FOR SPORTS LOVERS, the craziness of college basketball can be intense as spring begins, so much so that the NCAA has trademarked the phrase “March Madness” for its postseason tournaments.

At the DNR, we’re also excited this season — for marsh madness. Spring is a great time to focus on marshes in our state, why they’re important and the species that call them home.

Marshes are a type of wetland with emergent vegetation, or plants that stick out of water. Think cattails and smartweed. With a mix of open water and plant cover, marshes are considered slamdunk ecosystems for wildlife and a win for people, too, teeming with diverse species and plenty of recreational opportunities.

“Just about every type of wildlife species in Wisconsin, you could find in a marsh,” said Jason Fleener, DNR wetland habitat specialist.

These species include aquatic insects, invertebrates, birds, fish, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. While exploring marshes, it’s common

to see crayfish, mussels, ducks, geese and turtles. You also might spot trumpeter swans or whooping cranes, which are making a comeback because of successful conservation projects.

The animals you see at a marsh will depend on the cycle the area is in when you visit. Marshes have naturally occurring wet and dry cycles. During wet cycles, you’ll see more water in the marshes; during dry cycles, you’ll see less water and more mud.

Different species use the different cycles to their advantage. For example, during dry cycles, some bird species, especially sandpipers, plovers and other shorebirds, feed on invertebrates in muddy areas that aren’t accessible during wet cycles.

WILDLIFE BOOSTERS

Regardless of the cycle, marshes are important areas for a full squad of wildlife species. From insects to mammals, marshes offer a complete food chain, and some species are even wetland-dependent, so they require this type of habitat to survive.

EMMA MACEK

For more about the benefits of Wisconsin’s wetland habitats, scan the QR code or check dnr.wi.gov/topic/wetlands.

One such insect is the dragonfly, which utilizes marshes throughout its life cycle. Dragonflies are beneficial to us because they eat mosquitos.

Marshes also are essential habitat for birds. Wisconsin is on the Mississippi Flyway, a popular route for migrating birds. Many birds eat and rest at marshes, which are rich in the food sources that fuel the migration journey.

Marshes are valuable for breeding birds as well. For example, many species of water birds depend on marshes for nesting or raising their young because marshes can offer good protection from predators.

A number of reptiles and amphibians also call marshes home, including the state-endangered and federally threatened eastern massasauga rattlesnake.

“If it weren’t for marshes, a lot of these species just simply wouldn’t be around,” Fleener said.

COUNT THE BENEFITS

People also benefit from marshes in many ways. First, marshes reduce flooding by holding floodwater.

“Marshes will soak up the water like a sponge as opposed to letting that water flow downstream or downhill and maybe flood out a community,” Fleener said.

Marshes also help improve water quality. They act as filters, soaking up environmental contaminants and converting them into less harmful substances.

In addition, marshes can help recharge groundwater and refill aquifers. This process is essential for providing drinking water to wells.

Finally, marshes have recreational benefits. They’re prime spots for wildlife viewing and great places to bring kayaks and canoes. Many allow public hunting and trapping.

Read on to learn about some of Wisconsin’s popular and lesser-known marshes, restoration work at an area Aldo Leopold called “the great marsh,” and even a marsh plant that generates its own heat.

Emma Macek is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications. LEARN MORE

Marshlands at George W. Mead Wildlife Area.

H icon H icon NATURE’S RESILIENCY ON FULL DISPLAY

THERE’S AN ATTRACTION IN EASTCENTRAL WISCONSIN that’s been drawing people for more than 10,000 years. Today, we know it as Horicon Marsh.

Spanning 33,000 acres, or 50 square miles (about half the size of Milwaukee), Horicon Marsh in Dodge County is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the contiguous U.S., and a must-visit destination for people and wildlife alike.

The great glaciers of the last Ice Age gave rise to this marshland basin. Since these early origins, it has been home to an abundant variety of fish, birds and other marshland wildlife.

Evidence indicates that humans were already here when this marsh was in its infancy. Drawn to its vast hunting and foraging opportunities, nomadic hunters arrived and settled there as early as 12,000 years ago.

Fast forward to the present day, when thousands of people flock to the marsh from great distances to experience its world-renowned birding opportunities. Horicon is an ecological marvel and wildlife watcher’s paradise.

The marsh also boasts scenic hiking trails and peaceful water trails for paddlers. There’s even a cutting-edge “Explorium” and visitor center offering interactive displays, exhibits and in-person educational programs.

But that hasn’t always been the case.

WETLANDS TO LAKE …

When Europeans came to this region, they settled near Winnebago villages. In time, these Native American settlements were displaced by the towns and villages of today.

The first modern settlement on the marsh was the town of Horicon, which is a Mohican word for “clear, pure water.” In 1846, a dam was built for powering the site’s first sawmill. This dam held back the water in the marsh, raising it 9 feet.

By flooding, the marsh became Lake Horicon, thought at the time to be the largest human-made lake in the world. After 23 years of operation, disputes led to the removal of the dam. In the years that followed, the water receded and the marsh reemerged as a haven for wildlife.

The return of wildlife brought with it the advent of hunting clubs and the rise of market hunters, who made hunting their livelihood. From the 1870s to the early 1900s, unregulated hunting devastated the duck populations on this marsh.

With the loss of so many birds, this once-famous duck marsh had little value to many people. They sought to change it once again.

MOLLY MEISTER

Sunset at Horicon Marsh.

Marsh Marsh

At 33,000 acres, Horicon Marsh in Dodge County is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the contiguous United States.

NATASHA BETHE

Great egret. ALL MARSH ILLUSTRATIONS BY JADA THUR

TO FARMING FAILURE…

Other interests in the marsh eventually came to dominate and influence it, as muck farming or moistsoil agriculture promised quick profits.

With this potential money-making incentive, private landowners around the marsh dug ditches to drain their own land. Soon, local sentiment changed in favor of draining the entire marsh.

From 1910 to 1914, the main ditch was dredged for this purpose. Despite these efforts, farming attempts in the area failed. The exposed peat soil of the marsh dried and caught fire, and the marsh was abandoned.

Many of the ditches still seen at Horicon Marsh today are from this ill-advised agricultural era.

Those who viewed the marsh as a wasteland thought they could improve it by damming or draining it. This last effort left behind devastation they could hardly have foreseen. The marsh devolved into a wasteland, useless to man and wildlife.

Fortunately, another change was on the way.

TO WATERFOWL REFUGE

In 1921, conservation-minded individuals began the fight to restore the marsh. This included Louis “Curly” Radke, a Horicon native who became one of the biggest proponents of the cause.

“A heritage has been stolen, a sacred trust has been trampled underfoot, a beauty spot has been crucified,” Radke said at the time.

“We fight not for the dollar, not for a name in the halls of fame, nor for the glory of man or state, but for the millions to come: the tomorrow of our boys and girls!” (Radke himself was inducted into the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame years later, honored for his efforts on behalf of the marsh.)

In 1927, the state Legislature passed the Horicon Marsh Wildlife Refuge Bill. This provided for land acquisition and the construction of a dam at Horicon to restore the marshland water levels.

During the 1940s, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service purchased the northern portion of the marsh and designated it a National Wildlife Refuge. With these efforts began the recovery and restoration of Horicon Marsh.

The state-owned end of the marsh was restored at the urging of duck hunters, while the National Wildlife Refuge was created as a nesting area for the redhead duck. Today, Horicon is among the largest nesting areas for this bird in the eastern United States. Every year, about 2,000 to 3,000 redheads use Horicon.

Mallard and blue-winged teal are the most abundant nesting waterfowl at the marsh. And during the spring and fall migrations, almost all of the ducks common to Wisconsin can be seen here.

LEARN MORE

Scan the QR code or check dnr.wi.gov/tiny/1591 for more on Horicon Marsh and to plan your visit. To learn about getting involved in the wildlife area’s volunteer program, Friends Group, bird club or archaeological society, visit dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3326.

FUN FACTS ABOUT HORICON MARSH

• It’s sometimes referred to as the Little Everglades of the North.

• Has three visitor centers:

• Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center and Explorium (DNR)

• Horicon National Wildlife Refuge and Visitor Center (USFWS)

• Marsh Haven Nature Center (nonprofit)

• Home to some really cool wildlife, like the North American river otter and the North American beaver.

• Although not on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Horicon Marsh is a part of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve Unit, which is affiliated with the National Park System. Wisconsin, including Horicon Marsh, has been considered one of the best places in North America to explore and study glacial landforms.

• Designated a Global Important Birding Area (Audubon) and a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Convention on Wetlands).

• 328 species of birds have been documented at Horicon Marsh and the surrounding area.

Kids and adults alike can enjoy hiking and story time on the “Storybook Trail,” an initiative of Friends of Horicon Marsh and Horicon Public Library.

Paddling is a perfect way to explore Horicon Marsh.

‘AMAZING’ FOR WILDLIFE

Emphasizing waterfowl in Horicon Marsh management is for good reason: State and federal laws carefully regulate these birds because of the hunting season.

In addition, most of our state and federal wildlife properties were purchased and developed with funds contributed by hunters. This money is collected through hunting license fees, state and federal duck stamps, and excise taxes on firearms and ammunition.

“Bringing that history into perspective helps people understand the management challenges we face today, but more importantly, the resiliency of nature,” said Liz Herzmann, a DNR educator at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center.

Educating people about the marsh also has another important benefit, Herzmann added.

“It shows that if you put in the effort to fight for natural resources, it will pay off,” she said. “Horicon Marsh is a completely changed ecosystem from 200 years ago, and considering the destruction, it is still an amazing habitat for wildlife.”

The spirit of those like Curly Radke who helped in the fight to restore Horicon Marsh years ago lives on today. Current wildlife managers rely on staff, volunteers, Friends Groups and conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited to enhance habitat for waterfowl and other game species at the marsh.

These projects aim to develop nesting cover, control water levels to encourage native food plants in wetlands, and control competition from exotic species, such as carp and hybrid cattails, that affect the habitat quality. Special projects are also conducted to help recover threatened and endangered species.

NEVER THE SAME TWICE

As a wildlife educator at Horicon for more than 15 years, Herzmann is intimately familiar with the property, yet is constantly in awe of her workplace.

“Every time I step outside to lead a group or do a program, I don't know what I'm going to see,” she said. “It's not this robotic marsh that churns out the same things over and over again.

“Obviously, there are patterns and seasonality within nature, so there is some element of predictability. But you never know if you'll be walking a trail, and all of a sudden, an osprey comes down and snags a fish in front of a group of third graders.”

Herzmann encourages repeat visits to the marsh for a richer experience in this remarkable place.

“Come back often and explore different places within the marsh throughout the seasons,” she said. “You will have a unique experience every time.”

Molly Meister is a publications supervisor in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

RECREATION AT HORICON MARSH

There’s something for people of all ages and abilities at Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area:

y Birding, including the Horicon Marsh Bird Club

y Boating (motorized and nonmotorized)

y Paddle trail

y Canoeing

y Kayaking

y Cross-country skiing (nondesignated trail)

y Education programs

y Fishing

y Hiking (designated and nondesignated trails)

y Hunting (noted for waterfowl and pheasants)

y Trapping

y Wild edibles gathering

y Wildlife viewing and photography using observation blinds

y Scenic overlooks

y Boardwalk

Note that some rules and regulations are different in the National Wildlife Refuge section of the marsh. For more, visit fws.gov/refuge/horicon.

Canada geese goslings. NATASHA

A painted turtle soaks up the sunshine.

DAVID NEVALA

Waterfowl hunting is allowed only in parts of the state-owned Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area, with no hunting in the federal refuge.

M e marshes to expl

SPRINGTIME IS THE PERFECT SEASON to get outdoors and explore a marsh.

As you’ve learned elsewhere in this issue, our state has some well-known marshes, but there are plenty of other gems. We did some digging to highlight a few of these locales.

JONNA MAYBERRY

DEWEY MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

Dewey Marsh contains a large expanse of relatively undisturbed northern sedge meadow, including smaller islands of tamarack and black spruce swamp, paper birch and white pine woods and ericaceous bog (plants of the heather family, like the cranberry).

The marsh is dominated by blue-joint grass, steeple bush and wire-leaved sedges, with cattails and burreed. It forms the headwaters of Hay Meadow Creek.

JACKSON MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area is a 2,600-acre property located in eastern Washington County. The property is comprised mainly (60%) of forested wetland. The nearly 600-acre Jackson Marsh State Natural Area forms the property’s core and includes remnant white cedar swamp and southern swamp hardwood communities.

CHEROKEE MARSH FISHERY AREA

This marsh is an urban escape in Madison. It feels like you’re out in the middle of nowhere, but you’re still right in the city.

Cherokee Marsh is part of an extensive wetland complex of over 2,000 acres, jointly owned by the city of Madison and the DNR. Many species of mammals and birds use Cherokee Marsh, which was designated a state natural area in 1976.

DENNIS YOCKERS

expl e this spring

POWELL MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

Powell Marsh State Wildlife Area spans more than 4,300 acres in Vilas County. Its large peatland complex contains several unique wetland and plant communities, making it a favorite area for birders, trappers and waterfowl hunters.

PETERS MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

This wildlife area covers 1,687 acres in central Langlade County. The property includes forests, wetlands and native grasslands. The diversity of cover provides habitat for numerous wildlife species, including waterfowl, ruffed grouse, deer, turkey, black bear, woodcock, snowshoe hare and beaver.

LEOLA MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

This 2,550-acre property is located 15 miles southeast of Wisconsin Rapids. The wildlife area is predominately nonnative cool-season grassland that was formerly marsh, drained by the many ditches dug during the first part of the 1900s.

Leola Marsh sits in the heart of the area first studied in the 1950s through 1970s by noted Wisconsin naturalists Frances and Frederick Hamerstrom, who examined the habitat needs of Wisconsin’s greater prairie chickens. The property is home to many grassland bird species of conservation need, as well as the state-threatened greater prairie chicken and upland sandpiper.

If you enjoy birding, make the trip and walk across large tracts of open public grassland. Many butterfly species, including purplish coppers, silver-bordered fritillaries and monarchs, can also be found here.

MCMILLAN MARSH WILDLIFE AREA

A short drive north of Marshfield, this wildlife area is approximately 6,500 acres of primarily shallow marshes and shrub wetlands with scattered grasslands, upland hardwoods and aspen stands. It provides a valuable habitat for many game and nongame wildlife species.

Hunting, trapping, bird watching and hiking are some of the most popular activities on the property. A 5.5-mile seasonal bike trail (open May 1-Aug. 31) is also a popular attraction.

Jonna Mayberry is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT— A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT—

AGAIN AGAIN

N-Gage students and teachers join wildlife biologists for a celebratory kayak trip along the first completed restoration section of the

DEB BIECHLER

IN “MARSHLAND ELEGY,” ONE OF ALDO LEOPOLD’S ESSAYS from “A Sand County Almanac,” the naturalist wrote of Wisconsin’s “great marsh,” lamenting how the historic marshlands of central Wisconsin had been changed.

“An epidemic of ditch-digging and land-booming” took a toll, he wrote, as settlers drained the marsh in hopes of farming those lands. As the 1900s began, for example, more than 100 miles of deep ditches were dredged across 60,000 acres of marshland in northern Juneau County.

The Necedah National Wildlife Refuge is part of the “great marsh” and includes the Little Yellow River. Once, the river meandered in wide S-bends, supporting a dynamic and diverse ecosystem for thousands of years.

But the ditches straightened the Little Yellow River, drained the wetlands and lowered the groundwater. More damage followed, as fire events turned dried peat into ashen waste.

After a time, people came to understand the value of restoring the marshlands and, eventually, the river and its watershed. It would take the cooperative efforts of caring stewards.

Now, a group of concerned and dedicated stewards — from the refuge, the DNR and beyond — are working together to regenerate the richness and balance of the Little Yellow River watershed.

OUT OF BALANCE

Before deep ditches confined the Little Yellow River, it could spill over into its floodplain during wet periods, nourishing the wetlands. In turn, those wetlands gave back to the river in drier times, delivering a steady source of clean, cool water.

Confining the water within the banks of the ditches caused water to rush downstream during heavy rains and thaws, often leading to episodes of flooding. With water rapidly carried downstream, precious little moisture remained during dry spells.

Little Yellow River.

N-Gage students and staff, volunteers and DNR biologist Lisie Kitchel, front right, gather after conducting mussel surveys.

In the 1920s, the Little Yellow River was forced from its natural flow into straight-line ditches in an attempt to drain the marsh for farming. Remnants of the river channel can be seen to the right and left of the ditch.

LEARN MORE

Scan the QR code or check the Friends of Necedah National Wildlife Refuge website — friendsofnnwr.org — for more on the Little Yellow River watershed restoration project. The website also has general refuge information, including details for visiting and ways you can get involved.

This sort of unpredictability in water levels strains plants, animals and people alike.

Invasive plants such as reed-canary grass, which can tolerate the “flashy” conditions of the ditches, get a leg up over many native sedges. Wetland nesting birds, like whooping cranes, struggle to choose nest sites that will not be too wet or too dry.

And community members, especially those downstream who depend on water for agriculture or recreation, often face extreme water conditions.

These challenges have existed for the Little Yellow River since the 1930s. But today, a dedicated partnership is working to resolve them.

FIRST STEPS

Recently, staff at the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge developed a plan to restore the Little Yellow River, beginning with the West Branch, a small upstream tributary. The team used historic plat maps and field notes, high-resolution drone images and detailed elevation maps to determine exactly where the river had been 100 years before.

Because the ditch is deeper and straighter than the riverbed, it is the path of least resistance. To convince the river to reclaim its old channel, the team needed to make it harder for water to follow the ditch.

Refuge staff used heavy equipment to remove the soil the historic dredging operations had piled along the ditch banks. The buried wetlands were carefully uncovered, and the dredged soil was used to refill the ditch and restore flow to the river’s former path.

Many portions of the riverbed had changed during the last century; vegetation blocked the river’s path and sediment accumulated. In some places, the river struggled to find its old meander.

Determining if the restoration was fully successful would require careful monitoring on several levels and by many partners.

Once ditch banks are removed, strategically placed soil helps return the river to its natural course.

A mussel survey by students from the Necedah N-Gage Charter School found very few mussels in the ditches, as erratic water levels can’t support the fi sh that mussels need to reproduce.

Mark Pfost, left, wetlands ecologist with the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, and Necedah National Wildlife Refuge biologist Brad Strobel record water elevation levels as part of Little Yellow River restoration planning efforts.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Brad Strobel, a wildlife biologist at the refuge, joined with teachers and students in Necedah’s N-Gage Charter School to boost monitoring efforts.

Led by teacher Beth Hecht, students donned waders to measure the water’s clarity, speed and temperature. They used nets and traps to sample aquatic invertebrates, fish and plants, sometimes with help from DNR biologists.

Using instruments called piezometers, the students measured groundwater levels around the river and compared statistics from the restored portion of the West Branch to the unrestored East Branch. It showed that water flowed through the restored river more gently than it did through a ditch.

Students also found the water flowed from the restoration area clearer than it did the ditch. Strobel analyzed the resulting groundwater and found the restoration allowed the river to reconnect with its floodplain and regain the wetlands’ important flood storage ability.

The following spring, broods of trumpeter swans, mallards and ring-necked ducks used the “new” river and wetlands, another sign heralding success.

WATERSHED APPROACH

Encouraged by these positive results, the Friends of the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge — with funding from the Friends and the DNR’s Surface Water Grant Program — have worked to restore an additional section of the river’s West Branch.

What once was 4 miles of straight, deep ditch is now more than 5 miles of winding stream and floodplain wetlands.

Work remains before the West Branch is complete, and more community partners have been needed for ultimate success in restoring the broader watershed.

Last year, the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, Ducks Unlimited, Juneau County Highway Department, Juneau County Land and Water Resources Department and the town of Kingston all joined the team. Together they bring expertise to help with ongoing watershed restoration work.

“The ultimate value in these marshes is wildness,” Leopold wrote in his elegy. He knew restoring the “great marsh” would not be easy.

But Leopold also knew the best chance for success was through cooperation and community, people willing to work not just for today, but for the future.

Deb Biechler, a freelance writer and retired educator, serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. NNWR wildlife biologist Brad Strobel contributed to this story.

MARSH MARIGOLD (Caltha palustris)

Found throughout the state, the bright yellow flowers of these buttercup family members often stand out against the brown-green backgrounds of the wetlands they call home. Marsh marigolds typically grow up to 2 feet tall and tend to bloom in April to early May.

COMMON CATTAIL (Typha latifolia)

If you’ve ever spent time around any of Wisconsin’s waters or wetlands, there’s a good chance you’re already quite familiar with the common cattail. These tall (up to 10 feet) wetland plants are easily recognizable by their thick stalks topped with brown cylindrical spikes that look a lot like slightly overcooked corn dogs.

These plants are found across the state, often in dense stands along the shores of lakes, rivers, marshes and other wetlands. Cattails provide a place for redwinged blackbirds to nest in spring, cover for various fish and amphibians and a food source for ducks, muskrats and other wildlife.

MARSH MARVELS

ZACH WOOD

WISCONSIN’S

MARSHES AND WETLANDS are some of our state’s most vibrant ecosystems, supporting an abundance of plant life ranging from the iconic to the downright bizarre. Look out for these unique species on your next marshy adventure!

Zach Wood is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

YELLOW

LOTUS (Nelumbo lutea)

The yellow or American lotus is identifiable by its large, round, green floating leaves up to 2 feet across and beautiful white and yellow flowers, which can be 10 inches wide when in bloom from July through September. After blooming, the petals and leaves fall away, leaving a hard, brown, bell-shaped center — unique seed pods often used in dried flower arrangements.

These plants typically grow in quiet waters, such as sheltered bays or calm river backwaters. Their floating leaves provide cover for fish and create landing pads for a host of dragonflies and other flying insects.

LEARN MORE

For more on Wisconsin’s wetland plants, scan the QR code or check dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3376.

TAMARACK (Larix laricina)

Have you ever taken a fall drive through a northern Wisconsin wetland area and noticed those striking yellow trees standing tall in contrast to the grasses and shrubs around them? If so, you’ve seen a tamarack!

A staple of Wisconsin’s northern bogs and swamps, tamaracks are the state’s only native coniferous tree that’s not an evergreen. The needles turn a beautiful yellow or gold late in fall before dropping to the ground.

SKUNK CABBAGE (Symplocarpus foetidus)

Skunk cabbage, or swamp cabbage, is a low-growing plant found in marshy woodlands and swamps, along streams and in other moist environments. As its name suggests, it has stinky-smelling flowers that attract pollinators like flies and gnats.

The skunk cabbage is one of the first native plants to bloom each spring in the state, often seen poking through the snow, and the reason might surprise you. These unique plants grow well in the cold because they are one of only a few plants able to generate their own heat. How cool is that?

ROBERT QUEEN/DNR ARCHIVES

JOSEPH O’BRIEN/USDA FOREST SERVICE-BUGWOOD.ORG

DENNIS YOCKERS

WISCONSIN DNR

JOHN SULLIVAN

PLANTING A GARDEN

YIELDS MANY REWARDS — whether it’s watching your native flowers bloom and attract pollinators or biting into a fresh, juicy tomato straight from the backyard.

Growing without the use of synthetic herbicides and pesticides has its own benefits. It can keep potentially harmful chemicals from entering the air and groundwater, avoid possible collateral damage to unintended targets like beneficial insects, and save money.

[byline]

ANDREA ZANI

Here are tips and tricks to help you get growing, naturally.

STUDY THE SITE

To take the first steps toward gardening success, know where you’ll plant and consider what plants might work best there. If your plot is shady, select plants that do well with less light, or pick sun-loving plants if using a bright area. Look for disease-resistant varieties, too.

Think about potential moisture levels of your chosen area — is it typically a wet or dry space? — and plant accordingly. Slope and soil type can make a difference so do some research. Everything will grow better if planted with the conditions in mind.

CARE TO COMPOST

Healthy soil helps to create healthy plants, which are more likely to withstand challenges from diseases and damaging insects. Improve your soil by using compost — easy to create with everything from food scraps and coffee grounds to shredded paper items to leaves and grass clippings. Better soil equals better garden results.

WATER RIGHT

Proper watering is another way to keep plants healthy and growing, especially in hotter months. Check regularly for soil moisture, and water if it feels dry a few inches below the surface.

Water at ground level, not the leaves, and give plants a good soaking to promote stronger roots. Avoid overwatering, however, as it can lead to problems in other ways.

A NOTE ABOUT NATIVE PLANTS

If gardening is a fun experience, it can be even better knowing you’re aiding insects, birds and other wildlife. Choosing native plants can do just that! Also, when planted in a rain garden, native plants can help minimize flooding and filter pollutants. Plus, they can be lower maintenance than nonnative species. There are plenty of beautiful native plants to consider for your flower garden. For resources, including information about native plant sales around the state, check out the DNR’s “Plant Native Plants to Help Nature” webpage; dnr.wi.gov/tiny/1391.

Check out more watering tips from suburban Chicago’s Morton Arboretum; dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3361.

ANDREA ZANI

THINK ALTERNATIVES

If you do notice problems in the garden, first look for more natural ways to battle bugs, stamp out disease or ward off wildlife looking for a snack in your backyard. Here are a few common issues and suggested solutions.

Slugs

These slimy leaf-chompers can be controlled in several ways, according to UW-Madison’s Insect Diagnostic Lab. Place copper strips around flower areas to deter slugs from crawling onto plants, or spread sharp-edged, abrasive material such as gravel or sand to inhibit slug movement. Also try laying boards or carpet pieces away from plants, encouraging slugs to congregate under these items, then collect and destroy the slugs that show up. Or use beer! Set a container of fresh beer flush into the ground to bait slugs, which will literally drown their sorrows in the yeasty beverage.

Rabbits

A bit too much nibbling in your garden? Eliminating rabbit-friendly habitat such as brush, stone or wood piles and weed patches can help keep rabbits away, notes UW-Madison Extension. And avoid interfering with rabbits’ natural predators like hawks, owls, foxes and snakes.

Also use chicken wire to keep them out. Extension recommends fencing that’s at least 2 feet tall and tight to the ground or buried a few inches, with mesh holes no bigger than 1 inch. And a live trap might snag any offenders; just be sure to check the trap at least once every 24 hours as required by state law.

Weeds and disease

For weeds, use a hoe or pull by hand, being sure to get as much of the root as possible. You also can mulch around your plants with compost, grass clippings, leaves or

even newspaper and cardboard to keep weeds from taking over.

For diseases such as black spots, sometimes more sunlight or less watering can do the trick.

Gray mold, for example, is a common fungal disease, causing brown spots on flower petals and dead areas on leaves. For springblooming plants like daffodils, tulips and crocuses, gray mold can spread and lead to bulb decay. Avoiding excess moisture around the plant can help keep gray mold away.

If you do need to tackle gray mold, careful pruning is a good way to do so without chemical use, according to UW-Madison’s Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic. Prune diseased parts 4-6 inches below the infection and remove affected plant tissue from around the plant.

To avoid spreading the fungus, clean pruning tools by treating them for at least 30 seconds between each cut, preferably with a solution of water and 70% rubbing alcohol.

Grow!

ORGANIC OPTIONS

If you determine more help is needed with garden problems, organic pesticides and herbicides are widely available, derived from plants, bacteria, minerals or other natural sources. The UW-Extension Master Garden Program offers organic pesticide resources at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3336.

But the information comes with a word of caution: Remember that even organic pesticides are toxic — they’re meant to kill something, after all. Do your homework and be aware of the effects of what you’re using to avoid unintended consequences.

It’s also best to learn to live with a few insects. Most bugs actually are helpful in the garden, pollinating plants, maintaining the soil and keeping the ecosystem in balance. Good bugs are a gardening gain.

Andrea Zani is managing editor of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.

OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED

LOOKING TO SPEND MORE TIME ENJOYING Wisconsin’s abundant natural resources but not exactly sure where or how to start?

Join the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin on one of their beginner-friendly field trips to learn more about critical conservation efforts across Wisconsin and experience some of our state’s finest wild places.

These trips offer unique opportunities to explore some of Wisconsin’s best natural areas on foot, by bicycle or by boat. All trips are led by experienced naturalists, including from the DNR, who share their knowledge and passion for the outdoors as participants enjoy up-close experiences with the natural world.

Like the DNR, the Natural Resources Foundation is committed to expanding access to Wisconsin’s outdoors for all. A number of field trips are fully wheelchair accessible. The foundation also has launched a carpooling program for getting to and from trip sites and is working to plan more trips accessible by bus.

Additionally, several trips provide needed equipment such as kayaks and paddles, meaning participants don’t need to own expensive equipment to give a new outdoor hobby a try!

The Natural Resources Foundation typically offers more than 250 field trips each year. Here are just a few of the trips planned in 2025 that are perfect for beginners.

LEARN MORE

Registration for Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin field trips will begin soon. Membership is required to sign up, with member levels starting at $35. Cost of field trips varies by event. For details, scan the QR code or check wisconservation.org/field-trips.

Christopher Kilgour, left, leads a 2023 Natural Resources Foundation field trip.

ZACH WOOD

Let's Talk Turtles of Wisconsin / June 25 and June 26

Enjoy a sunset walk through a variety of wetland habitats to look for basking turtles. Then venture inside to see native turtles up close and hear a presentation about all 11 species found in Wisconsin. Ages 8+ Limit 35. Trail: 1 mile, ADA-accessible, paved; Franklin, Milwaukee County. Cost: $23 adult, $13 youth.

Bumble Bees at UW Arboretum / June 25

Wisconsin is home to 20 bumble bee species, including the federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee. Hear an indoor presentation about bees before heading outside to identify bees in the field. Limit 20. Trail: 0.5 miles, level, paved, mowed grass; Madison, Dane County. Cost: $23 adults only.

Hands-On Mineral and Fossil Collecting / Aug. 16

Learn about rocks, minerals and fossils as you collect your own specimens from a local quarry. Then head over to the Earthaven Museum to tour their collection of more than 10,000 geologic specimens. Ages 8+ Limit 25. Trail: 0.5 miles, easy; Lena, Oconto County. Cost: $23 adult, $13 youth.

Spring Frog Chorus at The Ridges Sanctuary / May 2

Twilight inspires a frog chorus at The Ridges Sanctuary! After a short indoor program to learn about Door County frogs, hike into The Ridges to listen for them outdoors. Ages 8+ Limit 20. Trail: 1 mile, boardwalks and beach; Baileys Harbor, Door County. Cost: $23 adult, $13 youth.

Introduction to Field Sketching / June 21

Let nature be your artistic inspiration. Immerse yourself in the beautiful setting of Ledge View Nature Center to hone your sketching skills and visually record your discoveries. Limit 20. Trail: 1 mile, choice of trail options; Two Rivers, Manitowoc County. Cost: $28 adult, $18 youth.

Tips and Tricks for Waterfowl ID / Nov. 8

Get to know the ducks, geese and swans of the Mississippi Flyway. Learn tips and tricks for waterfowl identification in an indoor classroom, then venture to the Mississippi River to put your knowledge to the test during the peak of waterfowl migration. Ages 12+ Limit 40. Trail: Mostly indoors, some outdoor viewing; La Crosse, La Crosse County. Cost: $18 adults only.

Trout Streams and Butterflies / May 31

Discover how private landowners' restoration efforts on 40-plus acres of prairie and oak savanna provide critical habitat for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly, and witness biologists electroshock for fish in a restored trout stream. This field trip doubles as a fundraiser for the Mecan River Watershed Fund. Ages 10+ Limit 90. Trail: 1.5 miles, mowed trails, optional off-trail; Dakota, Marquette County. Cost: $38 adult, $28 youth.

Introduction to Foraging / May 31, July 26 and Oct. 4

Learn the basics of foraging for wild food in southern Wisconsin, then hike Festge County Park with a focus on identifying edible plants and learning their specific uses. Choose a season: spring, summer or autumn. Ages 8+ Limit 25. Trail: 1 mile, easy, flat, wide trail; Cross Plains, Dane County. Cost: $28 adult, $18 youth.

Mukwonago River: Native Mussels / Aug. 16

Wade in the cool waters of the Mukwonago River to search for one of our state’s most diverse yet hidden treasures: freshwater mussels (clams). Learn about Wisconsin’s native mussels species, their life cycles and contributions to the history of Wisconsin. Ages 5+ Limit 25. Trail: 0.5 miles, short walk, wading in river; Mukwonago, Waukesha County. Cost: $18 adult, $8 youth.

Zach Wood is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

Monarch tagging on a summer field trip.

IF THE HILLS AND RIVERS AND TREES OF THE WISCONSIN STATE PARK SYSTEM could talk, oh, the stories they might tell. People have been roaming these places for centuries, weaving narratives as rich as the landscapes themselves.

Our Wisconsin State Park System turns 125 this year! As part of the DNR’s ongoing celebrations, we’re sharing a few of the compelling backstories from some of our many properties.

AZTALAN STATE PARK

A little more than 1,000 years ago, a local indigenous community established its home along a remote segment of what we now call the Crawfish River, near Lake Mills. Around this same time, a distinctly different group of indigenous people left its Cahokia homeland near St. Louis and arrived here — for reasons that remain unclear.

Together, these two groups built a massively fortified town, at one time covering more than 35 acres, where they lived until the area was mysteriously abandoned about AD 1200.

This state park is now Wisconsin’s foremost archaeological site, preserving remains of the Mississippian town and a line of ceremonial mounds. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated National Historic Landmark.

BEARSKIN STATE TRAIL

Rail service in northern Wisconsin initially served the logging industry, then expanded to passenger rail in the late 1800s. In early 1919, special weekend service from Chicago to Minocqua was introduced as “The Fisherman's Special,” carrying eager anglers north for the weekend to cast in the bountiful waters of the Northwoods.

JOSEPH WARREN AND ANDREA ZANI

ROBERT

THERE’S PLENTY OF HISTORY TO SHARE AS THE WISCONSIN STATE PARK SYSTEM CELEBRATES 125 YEARS

Archaeological work has helped unearth the history of Aztalan State Park, like this 1959 dig in what was likely a village center.

Through the next decade, this passenger rail service increased considerably. The railway changed from a timber-hauling line to primarily a tourist and recreation line serving the expanding resort areas of Minocqua and Star Lake. This area was bustling — and the trains kept people coming!

Weekend runs of The Fisherman’s Special continued until 1941, when the U.S. government asked railroads to stop all recreational trains to save fuel and materials for the war effort. The Bearskin State Trail now covers 21.5 miles along this historic rail corridor in Oneida County, between Minocqua and Tomahawk.

HAVENWOODS STATE FOREST

In the early 1900s, Milwaukee County bought the farmland where the state forest is now located, building its new House of Correction on the spot. Prisoners worked the land, tended to livestock and even worked at an on-site chair factory, making pieces sold under the Granville Furniture Co. label.

In 1945, the U.S. Army seized the House of Correction for use as an Army Disciplinary Barracks, housing soldiers as well as German prisoners of war held on U.S. soil at the request of the overburdened British government.

After World War II, the Army constructed a Nike Ajax missile base here — one of eight Nike missile sites encircling Milwaukee to protect the city from potential long-range bombs. Today, the property serves as a public state recreation and education center in Wisconsin’s largest city.

TOWER HILL STATE PARK

The history of the park’s shot tower — used to make shotgun pellets by releasing droplets of hot lead that cooled and hardened as they fell — is but one of the fascinating tales of this park near Spring Green.

The park sits on the site of the 1800s village of Helena, built near the shot tower on the shores of the Wisconsin River. The village was torn down during the Black Hawk War, a conflict between U.S. forces and Native Americans, because the Army needed materials for rafts to carry soldiers and supplies across the river.

The village was later rebuilt and persisted until 1860. But when the railroad came to the area and bypassed the community, the village of Helena eventually ceased to exist.

LEARN MORE

Scan the QR code or check dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks for everything you need to visit the Wisconsin State Park System. And check out issues of this magazine all year long for more on the park system’s 125th anniversary celebration.

Bearskin State Trail runs along a reclaimed railroad route, passing Kawaguesaga Lake in Minocqua.

Once home to a camp for German prisoners of war, Milwaukee’s Havenwoods State Forest is now an urban outdoor oasis for all.

Tower Hill State Park’s restored shot tower stands as a reminder of 1800s boom times, when the site’s bygone village of Helena thrived with local lead mining and a flourishing shot-making business.

COPPER FALLS STATE PARK

Spectacular waterfalls greet today’s visitors to this picturesque state park in Ashland County, but the landscape didn’t always appear as it does now. Years ago, the waterfalls were altered by mining activities.

In the late 19th century, a mining crew on the hunt for copper began reshaping the landscape when they sank a nearly horizontal shaft into a hillside at the present-day park’s picnic grounds. But the shaft was constantly flooded by the swift-flowing Bad River, so in 1902 the mining crew diverted the stream by blasting through rock.

The stream’s course thus was shifted north of the present picnic area. The old riverbed remnant is still visible to the east of the concessions building.

As for the park’s many human-built features such as viewing overlooks, log shelters and stone pathways, walls and fences, many of these are in place thanks to the Civilian Conservation Corps, the federal project that put young men to work during the Great Depression.

KETTLE MORAINE STATE FOREST

The first units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest were established in 1936 to provide recreation opportunities for a rapidly growing metropolitan area.

In the 1950s, Ray Zillmer envisioned extending the hiking trails within the forest for several hundred miles along the terminal moraine of the last continental glacier. This vision led to the creation of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which now traverses the entire state of Wisconsin for more than 1,000 miles from Interstate to Potawatomi state parks.

In 1870, Lapham Peak was known as Government Hill, and the U.S. Army Signal Corps used this highest point in Waukesha County for one of its original National Weather Service signal stations. Weather data from Pikes Peak, Colorado, was received here and relayed to the U.S. Weather Bureau headquarters in Chicago.

Increase Lapham, for whom the peak is named, was one of Wisconsin’s premier 19th-century scientists and recorded many weather observations here for his pioneering work in meteorology.

In the Southern Unit of the state forest, the pure spring water of the Paradise Springs area has attracted people for centuries and has an interesting history — from natural to developed and back again. In the early 20th century, water from the springs was bottled and sold under the names “Natural Spring Water” and “Lullaby Baby Drinking Water.”

The area was also once home to a horse track, shuffleboard and tennis courts, a golf course and the lavish Paradise Springs Resort Hotel. Remnants of these forgotten features are still visible along the Paradise Springs Nature Trail.

Changes have come to Copper Falls State Park through the years and upgrades continue. These days, an accessible fi shing pier welcomes visitors at the park’s Loon Lake.

Paradise Springs in the Kettle Moraine State Forest has long attracted visitors and once was the source of water bottled as “Lullaby Baby Drinking Water.”

Wide-open spaces at Richard Bong State Recreation Area made it the perfect place for this 1973 model airplane event, which also was a nod to the property’s aviation backstory.

RICHARD BONG STATE RECREATION AREA

This southeast Wisconsin property was originally acquired by the federal government in the 1950s to be used as a jet fighter base to protect the Chicago and Milwaukee areas. Three days before concrete was to be poured for a 12,500-foot runway, plans for the base were abandoned and construction stopped.

Eventually, the property was turned over to the state of Wisconsin for use as a public recreation space. Naming the location for World War II fighter pilot Richard Bong, a Wisconsin native, is a nod to its “what-might-have-been” jet fighter past.

NEW GLARUS WOODS STATE PARK

Visitors to this park in southern Wisconsin might literally be following in the footsteps of people who lived thousands of years ago. Native Americans who lived and traveled through this area had many paths that ran along ridgetops, with one of their heavily used trails running through these woodlands.

The path was gradually widened, and European settlers in the 1830s used it to haul ox carts carrying lead ore from the town of Exeter to Mineral Point and Galena, Illinois. The path became known as the “Old Lead Road” and was part of the first network of roads to link the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan.

This historic route still runs through the state park, as County Highway NN.

ROCK ISLAND STATE PARK

Traveling through New Glarus Woods State Park — in 1936 or today — puts visitors on a similar path as people thousands of years ago.

Before railroads and highways, Great Lakes steamships brought many settlers from Europe to what’s now Door County. Without modern technology like radar or GPS, travel near the rocky coast was unpredictable and dangerous.

Dating to the mid-1800s, Rock Island State Park’s Pottawatomie Lighthouse continues to welcome visitors more than a century and a half later thanks to the efforts of the DNR and the park Friends Group.

Enter lighthouses, with bright beacons to guide ships safely on their journey.

Rock Island, off the northern tip of Door County, is home to the first lighthouse built in Wisconsin. It began operation in 1836, before Wisconsin was even a state, after shipowners petitioned Congress and the government to set aside land for a light.

In 1858, Rock Island’s original lighthouse building was demolished and replaced with the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, whose shining light could be seen for more than 16 miles. Perched high atop a bluff on the northern tip of the island, the lighthouse still stands today, open to visitors in Wisconsin’s warmer months.

Joseph Warren is a program and policy analyst for the DNR’s Parks Bureau. Andrea Zani is managing editor of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.

IT’S THE SPRING SEASON, and as the temperatures rise, you might be eager to get outside for springtime hiking adventures. But as Wisconsin thaws from a frosty winter, trails can be muddy.

If you want to enjoy fresh spring air without messy shoes, check out this list of scenic but paved trails to try.

These are universal trails, or trails that may be suited for visitors of all abilities, including those using mobility

devices. However, not all trails are suitable for all users. Please see a property’s trail page for detailed descriptions or call the property for conditions and usability.

STATE PARKS AND FORESTS

BUTTERFLY POND NATURE TRAIL

High Cliff State Park

This 1.1-mile interpretive trail features wetland, prairie and forest ecosystems and travels around Butterfly Pond. Heads up: Pets are not allowed on this trail.

EXPLORE THE FOREST

Kettle Moraine State Forest

Pine Grove Path in the Lapham Peak Unit near Delafield is a 1.8-mile interpretive trail that journeys through a prairie and wooded area.

Paradise Springs Nature Trail in the Southern Unit at Eagle is a half-mile trail that travels past a catch-and-release trout pond and to the Fieldstone spring house, former resort hotel, dam and former trout holding tank. Pets are not allowed on this trail.

ECHO ROCK TRAIL

Mirror Lake State Park

Take in the beauty of Mirror Lake with this half-mile trail, which offers scenic views and a 150-foot bridge over the gorge.

URBAN TRAIL

Lakeshore State Park

Lakeshore State Park in downtown Milwaukee has a 1-mile paved trail with views of the skyline, Lake Michigan and grass prairies. For a longer hike, continue on the Hank Aaron State Trail and the Oak Leaf Trail, both of which have paved portions.

TOM ROBERTS MEMORIAL NATURE TRAIL

Northern HighlandAmerican Legion State Forest

This is a half-mile paved nature trail that passes through a mixed coniferous-deciduous forest with overlooks of Muskellunge Lake. Pets are not allowed on this trail.

Clockwise from top: Lakeshore State Park picnic area, Kettle Moraine State Forest-Lapham Peak Unit, Glacial Drumlin State Trail, Capital Springs State Trail.

EMMA MACEK

Emma Macek is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

STATE TRAILS

CHIPPEWA VALLEY TRAILS

The Chippewa River State Trail travels 30 miles through various habitats from downtown Eau Claire along the Chippewa River. The trail is paved for 18 miles, both from downtown Eau Claire to Caryville and between Durand and the Red Cedar State Trail junction in the Dunnville Wildlife Area.

The Old Abe State Trail is a paved 20-mile trail that connects Lake Wissota and Brunet Island state parks. It is on an abandoned railroad grade and travels through agricultural land and forestland while following the shoreline of the Chippewa River.

GREAT SAUK STATE TRAIL

This trail parallels the Wisconsin River in Prairie du Sac and Sauk City, passing through the Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area. Also a former rail corridor, the paved trail is 10.5 miles long and features beautiful river views.

LEARN MORE

Find property details on the DNR’s “Find a Park” page — scan the QR code or go to dnr.wi.gov/tiny/801.

MADISON AREA TRAILS

There are several paved state trails in the Madison area. The Badger State Trail is paved for 6 miles from its northernmost portion on Lovell Lane in Madison to Purcell Road in Fitchburg. The trail connects to many local parks and the Capital City and Sugar River state trails.

The Capital City State Trail has 17 miles of paved trail through Madison that links the Badger, Military Ridge and Glacial Drumlin state trails. The Military Ridge State Trail is paved for 2.5 miles between Fitchburg and Verona.

GLACIAL DRUMLIN STATE TRAIL

Along an abandoned rail corridor, the trail goes through farmlands and glacial topography and is paved for 13 miles from Waukesha to Dousman.

FROM FARM TO FIELD

DNR facility leads the way on Wisconsin pheasant stocking

HUNTERS WALKING THROUGH FIELDS

OF GOLDEN GRA S SES alongside their trustworthy dogs. A pheasant, flushed from the field, taking wing against the crisp blue sky. The crack of a shotgun aimed at a bird in flight.

The sights and sounds of Wisconsin’s pheasant season are synonymous with fall in Wisconsin. And yet, much of the work that makes this season a reality starts in the spring.

Kicking it all off is the incubation of roughly 300,000 ring-necked pheasant eggs at the Wisconsin State Game Farm, the source of every single pheasant stocked on Wisconsin’s public lands.

Located next to the MacKenzie Center near Poynette, the State Game Farm will hatch approximately 240,000 chicks by the end of the hatching season, April-July. Many of these

chicks also will be reared, or raised, at the facility; others will go to conservation clubs as part of the DNR’s Day-old Chick program.

Immediately after hatching, pheasant chicks go into one of two environmentally controlled brood-rearing barns to be raised for the first six weeks. About 85,000 hatchlings are started in the brooder barns.

At 6 weeks old, chicks are transferred from the rearing facilities to the game farm’s outdoor fields. Most birds grow and are released in the autumn, though there is slight mortality over the months and some pheasants sent to breeders or used for Learn to Hunt programs leading into the fall season.

WIN-WIN FOR WILDLIFE

Just how many of these birds end up stocked around Wisconsin each year? A lot, said Kelly Maguire, the DNR’s State Game Farm manager.

Pheasant chicks at the Wisconsin State Game Farm need about half a day to dry after hatching, then are counted, sorted by sex and transported to rearing facilities.

ZACH WOOD

KELLY MAGUIRE

“In 2024 alone, the DNR stocked approximately 75,000 pheasants from the State Game Farm on over 88 properties statewide, many of them state wildlife areas,” she said.

With production like that, one might assume the operation would come at an equally hefty price to taxpayers. But that’s not the case.

“Our operation is smaller than people would think,” Maguire said. “Only six full-time employees and a handful of (limited-term employees) — and there’s no general tax revenue involved.

“Our work is entirely funded by license revenues and money from the pheasant stamp. In fact, only 60% of pheasant stamp revenue goes to supporting the game farm.”

The other 40% of that stamp money “goes directly towards habitat improvements around the state,” Maguire added. And that’s good for more than just pheasants.

“Because pheasants utilize all sorts of habitat, that restoration work benefits a wide variety of wildlife species,” Maguire said. “It’s really a winwin situation.”

IMPORTANT PARTNERS

Habitat improvement isn’t the only dual benefit the State Game Farm creates. The facility also provides a boost to conservation partners through the Day-old Chick program. Conservation clubs enrolled in the DOC program agree to provide all labor and costs for raising the birds.

Under this agreement, clubs are permitted to release pheasants on private lands closed to public hunting, but they must return a percentage of the pheasants they raise back to the DNR. Clubs also have the option to release pheasants on private land open to public pheasant hunting or on approved state-owned lands. Interested pheasant hunters must contact the landowner prior to pheasant hunting on private property.

BREEDING BETTER BIRDS

Another noteworthy feature of the game farm is its entirely insular and self-sustaining nature. The farm maintains what’s known as a “closed flock,” Maguire said, meaning no birds come from external sources. All the pheasants are born, raised and bred within the game farm’s existing flock.

By keeping everything in-house, there’s no risk of exposing the flock to diseases that a bird from elsewhere might carry. It should also be noted that the pheasant flock at the State Game Farm is large enough to avoid any genetic issues. It all adds up to better pheasant-rearing success — and, come fall, better hunting.

Zach Wood is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

LEARN MORE

For more on the State Game Farm, including the Day-old Chick program, scan the QR code or check dnr.wi.gov/topic/lands/gamefarm. For details on pheasant hunting and management in Wisconsin, see dnr.wi.gov/topic/hunt/pheasant. Hunters can use the DNR’s Fields and Forest Lands Interactive Gamebird Hunting Tool to locate properties stocked with pheasants from the State Game Farm; go to dnr.wi.gov/topic/lands/FFLIGHT.

Ring-necked pheasants are a fall hunting staple in the state, with thousands raised and stocked by the DNR.

About 300,000 pheasant eggs are incubated at the Wisconsin State Game Farm each year.

WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN WILDLIFE

DNR prioritizes and promotes state wildlife areas

STATE PARKS AND FORESTS MIGHT BE TOP OF MIND when considering places for year-round recreation, but did you know state wildlife areas also make marvelous spots for getting outdoors?

The DNR’s Wildlife Management program is working to promote and diversify recreational opportunities at state wildlife areas, providing more high-quality experiences while also bolstering funding and increasing partnerships in support of these properties.

“Wildlife areas provide amazing opportunities to watch Wisconsin wildlife, from Kenosha County to Douglas County,” said Anne Reis, public lands specialist for the DNR’s Bureau of Wildlife Management. “Each place is unique, with different natural, cultural and historical features to explore.”

With more than 200 state wildlife areas covering over 660,000 acres in Wisconsin, there are plenty of great places to enjoy. Recent planning by property managers and other staff has helped the DNR narrow the focus on wildlife areas to promote and prioritize for recreational infrastructure.

The promotion also focuses on highlighting the activities visitors can enjoy at wildlife areas. Hunting is often associated with these places, but there are many opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, snowmobiling, birding and simply watching wildlife.

Check out a state wildlife area this year! Here’s a look at five properties you’re sure to find worth the trip.

VAN LOON

La Crosse area residents have a gem in their midst with this 4,000-acre property. A birder’s delight, Van Loon is a designated Important Bird Area that includes yellow-crowned night herons, Acadian flycatchers and warblers of all kinds. The Friends of McGilvray Road provide a range of year-round activities, including events highlighting the seven historical bridges along the Friends’ namesake road. New Amsterdam is just a short drive away for food, shopping and bathrooms.

ANDREA ZANI LINDA

Van Loon

BILL CROSS

Just north of Merrill in Lincoln County, Bill Cross offers a range of opportunities from hiking and foraging to birding and boating (motorized and nonmotorized). This property provides direct access to the Wisconsin River for a range of water-based activities, including the Posey and Bill Cross rapids. Or pick up the Ice Age Trail near the north end of the property for a hike along the river.

LAKE MILLS-ZELOSKI MARSH

Just a 45-minute drive from Madison or Milwaukee, the Zeloski Marsh Unit of the 2,800-acre Lake Mills Wildlife Area provides access to the Glacial Drumlin State Trail as well as a wealth of waterfowl observation opportunities along the restored wetland dike tops. Review your duck species at the London Road entrance, then test your bird identification skills and see how many species you can find on the birding checklist. Lake Mills provides a variety of options for snacks and shopping before or after your visit.

MUD LAKE-DOOR COUNTY

Only a stone’s throw from Baileys Harbor (and breweries, coffee shops and The Ridges Sanctuary), this 2,300-acre property boasts excellent kayaking opportunities, both through Mud Lake and in Moonlight Bay. For nature-study buffs, bring your camera or binoculars to find extraordinary birding and dragonfly observation.

VERNON

In the heart of Waukesha County, the 4,300-acre Vernon Marsh serves as a hub for birders, hikers and nearby residents of Mukwonago. The DNR plans to designate a 5-mile hiking loop that provides access through wetlands with newly installed boardwalk sections. This project was funded by the state’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund and the federal Recreational Trails Program. The Friends of Vernon Marsh also contributed sections of boardwalk to the project and provide programming and events throughout the year.

Andrea Zani is managing editor of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. Anne Reis, public lands specialist for the DNR’s Bureau of Wildlife Management, contributed to this story.

LEARN MORE

State wildlife areas can be visited without a state park vehicle admission pass. Note that there often are no bathroom facilities, drinking water or designated trails at these properties. Scan the QR code or check dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3321 for more on wildlife areas, including a county-by-county listing and details on the Adopt a Fish or Wildlife Area program.

Bill Cross

Lake Mills

Mud Lake

Vernon

ALL ABOUT ARBOR DAY ALL ABOUT ARBOR DAY

humble holiday keeps on

growing

ANDI SEDLACEK

LEARN MORE

Arbor Day this year will be observed in Wisconsin on April 25. To find an Arbor Day event near you, visit dnr.wi.gov/events and search “Arbor Day.”

For more on celebrating Arbor Day, including how to plant and care for trees and links to fun activities, scan the QR code or check dnr.wi.gov/education/arborday.

IT’S

A SIMPLE IDEA, to celebrate planting trees, and it’s grown into a national holiday: Arbor Day.

Arbor Day’s roots began in the late 1800s in Nebraska where, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, residents of Nebraska City felt a lack of trees in their community. The secretary of the Nebraska Territory at the time, J. Sterling Morton, proposed a statewide tree-planting holiday, and on April 10, 1872, the first Arbor Day was celebrated. Part of that initial celebration included prizes for counties and individuals who properly planted the largest number of trees on that day, resulting in an estimated 1 million or more trees being planted. Arbor Day observances quickly sprouted from there. By 1920, more than 45 states and territories were celebrating Arbor Day, including Wisconsin. Today, it is observed in all 50 states and in countries around the world, making Arbor Day a truly global effort.

The Arbor Day Foundation estimates tens of millions of trees are planted each year in honor of Arbor Day, with more than 500 million trees planted in celebration of the holiday in the past 50 years!

WISCONSIN CELEBRATES

In the Badger State, Arbor Day was first observed in 1883 and continues to be celebrated here every year on the last Friday in April. It coincides with Forest Appreciation Week in Wisconsin, which runs from Earth Day to Arbor Day each year.

In 1980, Arbor Day became one of the 21 Wisconsin Public School Observance Days, special days dedicated to teaching the elements of tradition that preserve U.S. society and foster an awareness of our cultural heritage. Observance Days are enacted by Wisconsin state statute.

Arbor Day has always been important to the DNR. Every year, part of the agency’s celebration includes offering free tree seedlings to every fourth grade student in the state.

“This program enables us to bring forest education directly to the hands of students and teach them about the importance of trees and of managing and growing our forests,” said Heather Berklund, the DNR’s chief state forester.

DNR state nurseries provide about 50,000 free seedlings to fourth graders each year. They’re delivered to homeschoolers, handed out in classrooms, and tucked into students’ backpacks to take home (protected to keep the backpacks clean). Students also get information on how to plant and care for the seedlings and the trees they’ll grow into.

These trees often become living family legacies in yards across the state. And they go a long way toward helping with Gov. Tony Evers’ recent executive order goal of 100 million new trees planted in Wisconsin by 2030 as a way to promote environmental justice, tackle climate change and protect clean air, clean water and abundant wildlife habitat.

The Wisconsin State Park System also celebrates Arbor Day every year, with tree-planting events, hikes and tree talks at state parks, forests and recreation areas. Just like trees, Arbor Day celebrations keep on growing!

Andi Sedlacek is acting communications director for the DNR.

Places like Black River State Forest preserve an abundance of beautiful woodlands.

TREETALK

VALUABLE VOCABULARY FOR THE BUDDING FORESTER VALUABLE VOCABULARY FOR THE BUDDING FORESTER

GARRETT DIETZ

Girdling means cutting through a tree to kill the part above.

WHEN YOU’RE JUST GETTING INTO A NEW INTEREST, hobby or profession, you often hear jargon or acronyms that leave you scratching your head in confusion. That’s especially true in forestry, where many common terms and phrases sound like they refer to something completely different.

With Arbor Day fast approaching, you might be considering planting trees or doing other work to mark the importance of healthy, vibrant forests here in Wisconsin. To help you understand what your fellow forest enthusiasts are talking about, let’s break down some of the words you might hear when discussing trees, timber harvests or forest management.

BOLE: The main trunk of a tree below the branches, it is the section of the tree usually used to make lumber.

DUFF: Not a made-up word, surprisingly, and in this case it has no connection to golf. It is the layer of partially decomposed organic material (leaves, twigs, fruit, etc.) on the forest floor that protects seeds and provides key nutrients for the soil. It also creates important habitat for everything from bugs to amphibians.

SNAG: It’s the bane of many an angler. However, in forestry, it refers to a standing dead tree. This can occur naturally or through the intentional efforts of a property manager looking to increase habitat for small mammals, insects or cavity-nesting birds like woodpeckers.

GIRDLE: The word means “to encircle.” In fashion, it refers to a belt or sash. In forestry, it’s the process

of cutting or scoring through the bark and, just beneath that, the cambium cell layer around a tree trunk. This prevents nutrient flow from the roots to the leaves, eventually killing the tree. Girdling is a way to eliminate undesirable trees from a property or to purposely create snags — those beneficial dead trees — for wildlife habitat.

BUCK: In a forestry context, this has nothing to do with “da tirdy-pointer” or deer season. It actually refers to the process of cutting a felled tree into shorter lengths, such as for sawlogs or firewood.

STUMPAGE: This is the value of standing timber before it’s cut. If you get a quote from a company to harvest a timber stand, they’ll often provide this number.

CORD/FACE CORD: Firewood or pulpwood that takes up 128 cubic feet (4 x 4 x 8 feet) is referred to as a cord. The measurement got its name from the ropes historically used to measure and tie firewood together. A face cord is the same width and height as a full cord, but it’s made up of shorter pieces (less than 4 feet deep), hence you’re only seeing the “face,” or front, of a full cord.

MAST: In this context, it is unrelated to sailing or sailboats. It’s actually a term for the fruit produced by a tree or shrub. Usually, you’ll hear this further delineated into “hard” and “soft” mast. Hard mast refers to hard-shelled fruits like acorns or walnuts, while soft mast refers to berries or fruits such as apples or cherries.

Garrett Dietz is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

Jack pine seedlings sprout.

Planting our way to a trilLion treEs Planting our way to a trilLion treEs

ANDI SEDLACEK

ONE TRILLION TREES — THAT’S NOT A TYPO.

There’s a global movement to plant one trillion trees across the world by 2030. The state of Wisconsin is in on it, and you can be, too.

In 2021, Gov. Tony Evers signed an executive order pledging to protect and restore Wisconsin’s forestland by planting 75 million trees by 2030 as part of the U.S. Chapter of the Global Trillion Trees Initiative. A lofty goal, but definitely achievable.

With the help of the DNR’s three state nurseries, along with other state agencies and nonprofit groups, Wisconsin already had met more than 40% of the treeplanting goal by early 2024. That inspired Gov. Evers to increase Wisconsin’s pledge to 100 million trees.

When fully realized, the state pledge will result in 28.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide stored by trees over the next 50 years. That’s equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide produced by 6 million passenger vehicles for a year.

To read more about Wisconsin’s Trillion Trees Pledge, visit dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3371.

NEED TREES?

If you’re a woodland owner looking to add trees to your property, look no further than Wisconsin’s state nurseries. Youth groups and educational organizations also can purchase seedlings for reforestation and conservation planting projects.

All seedlings are grown at the Wilson State Nursery in Boscobel and are well-suited to their native Wisconsin soil. Choose from conifers like white cedar, balsam fir and tamarack, and hardwood species such as aspen, silver and sugar maple, American elm and more.

Seedlings must be planted in Wisconsin and are to be used in reforestation efforts, creating wildlife habitat, controlling erosion or constructing natural windbreaks. Minimum order requirements apply, and prices vary by species.

To learn more and place your order, visit dnr.wi.gov/topic/treeplanting/order

Andi Sedlacek is acting communications director for the DNR.

Wolf (Canis lupus)

The gray wolf is the largest of wild canid species, usually seen in forested areas of Wisconsin.

y Coat color:

ƒ Gray is most common

ƒ Fur also can be mix of tan, brown, black and cinnamon

ƒ Black or white are uncommon

y Distinctive blocky muzzle

y Rounded, relatively short ears

y Long legs in proportion to the body

y Tails only fluff out at the end

y On average, 65–90 pounds and 3.5–4 feet in length, not including tail

JADA THUR

LOOKALIKES UNMASKED

Coyote (Canis latrans)

These animals are shorter and lighter than wolves. They live across the state in both rural and urban areas.

y Coat color: typically, a mix of tan, brown, black and cinnamon

y Distinctive pointed snout

y Pointed ears that are large in proportion to the head

y Legs are stouter and more proportionate to the body

y Bushier tails

y On average, 30–45 pounds and 2.5–2.8 feet in length, not including tail

= 1 foot

LINDA FRESHWATERS ARNDT

S OME SIMILAR-LOOKING

Wisconsin wildlife species might have you doing a double take. DNR biologists help highlight the differences to distinguish the doppelgangers. Here’s how to tell them apart.

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Tending to be solitary, the red fox is adaptable and can be found in rural, suburban and urban areas.

y Coat color:

ƒ Red or yellowish red

ƒ Can also have color phases, including black, silver and red-silver

y Tail generally has a white tip

y Black legs and ears

y Pointed muzzle

y On average, 10–15 pounds and 20–25 inches in length, not including tail

Wolf, Coyote Or Fox?

Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)

The gray fox is the smallest of Wisconsin’s wild canids, slightly smaller than the red fox.

y Coat color:

ƒ Gray with white on chins and throats

ƒ Brown undersides

y Tails have a black stripe

y Unique semi-retractable claws allow them to climb trees

y On average, about 10–12 pounds and 19–25 inches long, not including tail

JOSEPH EICHERS

Cougar (Puma concolor)

Cougars (also known by other names such as mountain lion, puma and catamount) are rare in Wisconsin. There are no known breeding populations in the state, but there have been several verified sightings in recent years. Most cougars seen in Wisconsin are wandering young bachelor males from Western populations, like the Dakotas.

y Coat color:

ƒ Tannish brown to grayish brown

ƒ Lighter color belly, chins and undersides

ƒ Cubs have spotted coats

y Head is relatively small

y Area behind the ears is all black or gray, and ears are short and rounded

y Long, black-tipped tail that’s often a third of the body length

y Large and slender

y On average, males are 120–160 pounds, and females are 75–106 pounds

Lynx (Lynx canadensis)

Lynx are very uncommon in Wisconsin, although rare sightings of visitors from Canada do occur.

y Coat color:

ƒ Gray to grayish brown

ƒ Spots on the legs and belly

y Short tails that are tipped black

y Much more “sloped” appearance than bobcats, with hips higher than shoulders, longer ear tuffs, taller back legs and large furry feet

y On average, 15–30 pounds and 30–35 inches in length

= 1 foot

LINDA FRESHWATERS ARNDT

LINDA HUPP/USFWS

Cougar, Lynx, Bobcat Or House Cat?

Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

The bobcat is the most-seen member of the wild cat family in Wisconsin, though still uncommon in parts of the state. Named for its bobbed tail, it closely resembles the Canada lynx, with a few key differences.

y Coat color:

ƒ Gray to brown

ƒ Spots and dark stripes on insides of the legs

y 4-8 inch tail, with a tip that’s black above and white below

y Ear tufts are short and pointy, with white markings on backs of the ears

y Distinctive facial tufts

y On average, 11–30 pounds and 26-41 inches in length

House cat (Felis catus)

Domestic cats vary in size and color but are much smaller than cougars and generally smaller than lynx and bobcats. When the tail is not visible, larger house cats with certain coloring can be mistaken for bobcats. Look for white spots on the back of the ears to identify bobcats; most house cats will not have these markings.

LINDA FRESHWATERS ARNDT

Fisher, Mink, Weasel Or Marten?

Fisher

(Martes pennanti )

The fisher is a medium-sized member of the weasel family.

y Coat color: Dark brown to almost black

y Fishers are forest dwellers, mostly solitary

y Long body with a broad head, pointed snout, small ears and bushy tail

y Males weigh around 15 pounds and are about 25% larger than females

Mink

(Neovison vison)

This mustelid species is typically found near water. Mink are small and long-bodied but larger than weasels.

y Coat color:

ƒ Uniform dark brown fur

ƒ Sometimes has white patches on the chin and chest

ƒ Compared to a weasel, they are more uniformly colored

y Mink are semi-aquatic, so their coats may appear more coarse than a weasel

y Face is flat and pointed

Weasel

(Mustela sp.)

Different species of weasels (least weasels, long-tailed weasels and short-tailed weasels) are typically found in Wisconsin forest areas and are land-dwelling. Weasels are smaller than mink, especially the least weasel, which is significantly smaller than mink.

y Coat color:

ƒ Brown to dark brown in summer, with a lighter underside

ƒ White in the winter

ƒ Some species have a black-tipped tail

y Long, small and thin bodies with short legs

American (pine) marten

(Martes americana)

Another small member of the weasel family, the marten is endangered in Wisconsin and seldom seen.

y Coat color:

ƒ Yellowish brown fur

ƒ Dark brown fur on legs and tails

ƒ Throat patch of white or yellow

y Martens have short legs, black eyes, large round ears and curved claws that help them climb trees

y Adults weigh about 2–4 pounds

LINDA FRESHWATERS ARNDT

LINDA FRESHWATERS ARNDT

LINDA FRESHWATERS ARNDT

STEVE HILLEBRAND/USFWS

Otter, Beaver Or Muskrat?

North American river otter

(Lontra canadensis)

This semi-aquatic animal is the largest species of the weasel family. Otters are often found near water and usually socialize in groups. They can slide across mud and snow as a mode of transportation.

y Coat color:

ƒ Short, dense, dark brown fur that’s sleek in appearance

ƒ Light tan around face and neck

y Broad head, muscular neck and small facial features, except for their large nose pad and whiskers 2–4 inches in length

y Long, tapered body and relatively short legs with webbed feet

y Long, thick, muscular tail that tapers at the tip

y On average, about 12–30 pounds and 3–4 feet long, with a tail of 12–18 inches

North American beaver

(Castor canadensis)

Beavers are typically found near water, where they build dams out of sticks, mud and vegetation. When swimming, usually only the beaver’s head can be seen.

y Coat color: glossy fur that appears reddish brown to blackish brown

y Distinctive scaly, paddle-shaped tail

y Larger black nose

y On average, 40–70 pounds, though they can reach 80 pounds or more, and 24–40 inches in length

Muskrat

(Ondatra zibethicus)

Muskrats are much smaller than beavers and otters. They also are usually found near water, building huts out of vegetation or digging burrows with underwater entrances. When swimming, a muskrat’s body and tail usually can be seen.

y Coat color: dark brown fur

y Short, rounded ears, barely protruding above the fur

y Long, thin, scaly tail

y On average, about 2–4 pounds and 18–25 inches in length

Jada Thur is a communications specialist in the DNR’s Office of Communication. = 1 foot

LINDA FRESHWATERS ARNDT

ROBERT HILBERT

ROBERT HILBERT

STRIKES STRIKES

SPRING SHOWERS CAN BRING MAY FLOWERS, but they also bring an increased risk of flooding in Wisconsin.

As snow is melting with increasing temperatures, spring storms are typically ramping up. According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, nearly 90% of flood events in Wisconsin in the last five years were caused by heavy rain combined with snow melt.

This dangerous duo can raise water levels and strain storm water systems, including in urban areas and properties not in floodplains.

As floodwaters rise, so do risks to human health and safety. Floodwaters and associated runoff can contaminate water supplies, destroy homes and other property, and even cause death.

In 2023, 77 people were killed in the United States due to flooding. According to the Federal Emergency

Management Agency, just 1 inch of water can cause an average of $25,000 in damage to a home or business.

The aftermath of flooding is also a problem, said Andy Buehler, director of the Kenosha County Division of Planning and Development.

“Besides the fact of being displaced from a person’s home, the big problem comes in afterward from the mold that develops in the home,” Buehler said. “That is an unhealthy environment where all that (moldy material) has to be ripped out and replaced.”

The devastation of floods shows how important it is to be prepared, said Sarah Rafajko, the DNR’s floodplain management program coordinator.

“ You can’t always necessarily prevent a flood event from happening, but you can be prepared for it — to help you recover more quickly and more completely,” Rafajko said.

EMMA MACEK

Flooding of the Baraboo River hit Reedsburg hard in 2018.

TEAM EFFORT

Flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters in Wisconsin. Prevention, preparation and response are collaborative efforts among federal, state and local agencies.

The DNR maintains model floodplain zoning ordinance language, which communities can use to implement regulations that help minimize flood damage. It is up to local municipalities to oversee building codes, issue any permits, handle relocation or elevation of structures in a floodplain and create plans to reduce flood susceptibility.

The DNR also helps manage Wisconsin Emergency Management and FEMA grant programs that can help offset the costs of community flood mitigation. And DNR floodplain staff assist communities in joining the National Flood Insurance Program, a federally backed initiative.

Wisconsin, along with some other states, have higher standards than the federal floodplain minimums, which has helped lower the flood risk in our state.

Most homeowner or renter insurance policies do not cover flood damage, so Wisconsinites should consider flood insurance, even if they don’t live in a floodplain. According to FEMA, 40% of federal flood insurance claims involve properties outside of floodplains. It is important to know that homeowners, business owners and renters outside of special flood hazard areas, or floodplains, are eligible for insurance. Learn more at floodsmart.gov

Ready to find your flood risk? Type your address into the FEMA Flood Map Service Center website, msc.fema.gov/portal/home. The tool will show you if you are in or near a floodplain.

Belleville in 2018, after the Sugar River overflowed its banks.

PREPARE WHEN SKIES ARE BLUE

Follow a few tips to help reduce the effects of possible flooding.

• Consider purchasing a flood insurance policy.

• Keep an eye on the weather. The National Weather Service provides alerts on potential flooding events.

• Secure belongings during flood events to avoid damage and injuries to yourself and others. Move essential items to an upper floor, if available.

• Avoid floodwaters. Standing water can hide many dangers, including toxins and chemicals. There may be sharp objects, or the road underneath could have collapsed.

• Turn around, do not drown! Do not enter floodwaters. Just 12 inches of moving water can move a car, and 6 inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet.

• If flooding occurs, dry out your home as soon as possible to prevent mold. Wear goggles, a longsleeved shirt, protective gloves, boots, long pants and a respirator mask to protect yourself.

• If you live in a recently flooded area and your water is from a private well, learn about the  recommendations for private wells inundated by flooding on the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3311.

• Know what food is safe to eat, how to care for pets and livestock and how to protect farm fields during floods with resources from the  Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3306.

LEARN MORE

For more on flood safety, visit the ReadyWisconsin flooding website, readywisconsin.wi.gov. And check the DNR website for details on how to cope with a flood; scan the QR code or go to dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3301

Emma Macek is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

OPENING DOORS

to hunting in Wisconsin

ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO, LOS ANGELES

NATIVE AMBER ADAMS found herself in a small city in Wisconsin called Arcadia. She wound up there because of her job at the time with Ashley Furniture, which is headquartered in this Trempealeau County city of about 4,000 residents.

Adams had never been to the Midwest before, let alone Wisconsin, and being in a small, more rural community was initially a culture shock.

“I was like, where’s the Starbucks? Where’s civilization?” she said jokingly.

It took her a couple of years to acclimate. When she eventually began making local friends, she discovered many were hunters. Some even owned acres of land where they hunted.

“And during COVID is when I said, ‘You know what? I want to go hunting. I want to see what it’s about,’” Adams recalled. “Because I knew I would never get this opportunity in southern California; we just don’t hunt.”

As a Latina woman, Adams is statistically even less likely than most to be a hunter. According to a 2022 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study, 6% of the U.S. population at least 16 years old went hunting that year, with Hispanics participating at a 4% rate and women at 2%.

But a good friend invited Adams on his hunt, opening the door to her hunting initiation.

“I went, and the first day, I had no idea what I was doing, what to expect,” Adams said. “But it was literally one of the most life-changing moments.

“It was the first time I ever felt connected to the land, to my ancestors, to just everything that we, as humans, have done for thousands and thousands of years.”

‘A DIFFERENT WORLD’

Adams was used to the fast pace of city life, so getting outdoors to hunt was quite a change — in a wonderful way.

“Everything’s about vanity,” Adams said of L.A. urban living. “And so I didn’t realize I wasn’t truly living until I was exposed to being in the outdoors.”

Watching sunrises is one of her favorite things about the experience.

“Probably one of the most beautiful sunrises I ever had was the first day I went hunting,” Adams said. “Because that was the moment where I realized, wow, there’s a different world, completely different world, and I felt so privileged to be able to experience it.”

For Los Angeles native Amber Adams, experiencing an early morning sunrise while hunting has helped deepen her connection to the land and the outdoors.

JONNA MAYBERRY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMBER ADAMS

Before hunting for the first time, Adams had to prepare. She read a lot, both online and in print. Her experienced hunter friends shared their knowledge with her. She did her hunter safety course. She had to figure out what to wear, considering it was a lot colder here than in California.

Adams found the internet incredibly helpful.

“Luckily, we live in a day and age where information is accessible at your fingertips, because I didn’t have anybody who could really mentor me at hunting within California,” she said.

Adams urges new hunters to slow down and take in the experience.

“Enjoy the simplicity of just sitting and waiting,” she said. “We often get so distracted and constantly feel like we have to be on the go and doing things.

“I would encourage (new hunters) not to be afraid and to look up any resources that are out there.”

INSPIRATION FOR OTHERS

Adams’ dream is to open the hunting world to everyone by serving as a model for others.

“I’m seeing that a lot of the women in the hunting world don’t look like me,” Adams said. “I really want to see more inspiration for women like me. I identify as an American woman — I am very proud to be an American. I’m also very proud to be Hispanic.

“I want to feel comfortable. I want other women that look like me to feel like they are also represented. I would like women that grew up like me, Americans with Hispanic heritage, to be proud to be both and to represent both.”

And when it comes to hunting, she wants others to experience the joy she has experienced.

“It’s the only time where I don’t feel distracted or like I have to perform or look a certain way. It’s very freeing,” Adams said.

“That’s what I love about it: I feel free. I feel one with Earth, and I’ve never felt that until the door of hunting was opened for me.”

Jonna Mayberry is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

LEARN MORE

There are many ways to learn to hunt in Wisconsin, and the DNR offers opportunities throughout the year, including Learn to Hunt programs, outdoor skills events, mentored hunting and more. Scan the QR code or check dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2971. If you already hunt, consider being a volunteer safety instructor to help new hunters. Find details at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/1501.

Hunter safety preparation includes learning proper handling of weapons.

Amber Adams

Salmon for supper

GREAT LAKES FISH HELP FEED WISCONSIN FAMILIES Salmon for supper

GARRETT DIETZ

IN NATURE, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS WASTE. Everything from the smallest macroinvertebrates to the largest wild game species serves a purpose to shape the natural world.

Take Pacific salmon. These fish only spawn once before dying, focusing their resources on maximizing reproductive efficiency. Once salmon reach the rivers where they spawn, they stop eating and swim upstream to their spawning habitat — a final journey to ensure the future of their species.

After they die, their bodies act as fertilizer, enriching the surrounding streams, rivers and terrestrial ecosystems. Salmon proteins have been found in vegetation hundreds of yards from streambeds on the West Coast.

Salmon in the Great Lakes are actually Pacific salmon, intentionally stocked into the Great Lakes in the late 1960s. They were introduced as a control measure for the invasive alewife, which saw a population boom when lake trout populations declined due to overfishing and the spread of parasitic sea lampreys.

Not only did the large number of alewives provide a food source for salmon, but the cold, deep waters of the Great Lakes offered conditions where the fish could thrive.

When salmon enter Great Lakes tributaries to spawn, they stop eating and focus solely on returning to the headwaters where they originated, just like their western relatives. However, unlike the natural reproduction out West, when some Wisconsin salmon reach their spawning grounds, DNR employees capture, spawn (take eggs) and process them.

The goal is to ensure that, as in nature, nothing goes to waste.

FIT TO EAT

Tens of thousands of salmon make their final journey up Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan tributaries each year. In doing so, these fish provide a unique sport fishing opportunity for anglers to chase trophy fish in relatively small streams and rivers.

Many salmon end up in freezers of enthusiastic

LEARN MORE

For more on DNR salmon spawning, see dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3396. For details on the Door County Food Pantry Coalition, go to dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3406 And for health information on eating your catch, check dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3401.

anglers; others die on stream banks. And then there are those captured by the DNR.

The agency operates three weirs, or barriers, to capture spawning salmon species and process them: along Strawberry Creek in Sturgeon Bay, on the Kewaunee River and southeast on the Root River in Racine County.

Each fall, salmon eggs are collected, fertilized, incubated and hatched at DNR facilities. The young fish are raised and returned to their tributaries to continue the Lake Michigan population — Chinook salmon as fingerlings and coho salmon as yearlings (both are Pacific salmon species).

Since spawning is the end of a Pacific salmon’s lifecycle, the DNR ends up with thousands of pounds of fish each day during this process. One of the most impactful ways of dealing with the fish is donating fresh salmon to local food pantries.

Fisheries staff measure and document the sex of every salmon they spawn to track growth and population. Fish under 36 inches in good physical condition

are deemed fit for consumption per the DNR’s Choose Wisely guidelines. These fish are made available to nonprofit organizations dedicated to feeding those in need.

‘RARE RESOURCE’

One of many partners that receive salmon from the DNR is the Door County Food Pantry Coalition, a group of nine food pantries that join with the United Way and the Door County Community Foundation to fight food insecurity.

“Fish is a rare resource in many food pantries because it’s so expensive compared to other protein sources,” said Adam Peronto, philanthropic services officer for the Door County Community Foundation.

Fish for the coalition is picked up daily by the Baileys Harbor Fish Co., which processes, packages and stores the salmon filets on behalf of the pantries. Baileys Harbor Fish Co. receives funds from the Door County Food Pantry Coalition to cover the processing but donates its resources to transport, store and distribute the salmon.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the vacuum-packed filets are good for up to two years, giving the Door County Food Pantry Coalition access to sustainable, high-protein foods through the next salmon spawning season.

“Our partnership with the DNR is the largest single donation of food the coalition pantries receive,” Peronto said. “Last year, we received over 9,000 pounds of salmon from the DNR, which will provide a whole year’s worth of protein for our pantries to distribute.”

And that’s just one example of the DNR’s salmon donations. In the last 10 years, the agency has provided more than 130,000 pounds of salmon to nonprofit organizations across Wisconsin. In the fall of 2024 alone, roughly 31,000 pounds were donated.

WASTE NOT

Other salmon collected by the DNR — those over 36 inches or in poor physical condition — are deemed nonconsumable for humans (larger fish may have more harmful pollutants accumulated in their fatty tissues). However, instead of simply throwing them away, the DNR offers them up for bid to private companies, often for use as animal feed or fertilizer.

Any leftover eggs also are made available for purchase through a bidding process. These usually become bait for anglers targeting salmon or steelhead. Processing and distributing thousands of pounds of fish is a logistical challenge. For its part, Baileys Harbor Fish Co. strives to be as efficient as possible.

The company has taken the 100% Great Lakes Fish pledge, an initiative of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers, chief executives from Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces. The effort focuses on using 100% of commercially caught fish.

“We’re proud to partner with our community to make the most of this incredible resource,” said owner Carin Stuth. “And just like with our own commercial harvests, we ensure nothing goes to waste.”

Garrett Dietz is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

Vacuum-packed salmon filets are good for up to two years, filling freezers at food pantries.

Salmon eggs collected by the DNR are fertilized, incubated and hatched, with young fi sh raised and returned to their Lake Michigan tributaries.

The DNR operates three salmon weirs, or collection facilities, including Strawberry Creek in Sturgeon Bay. Fish are spawned, with many then donated to food pantries.

RACHEL

BACK IN THE DAY

A storied stand

100 years of history, heritage and preservation at northern highland-american legion state forest

In 1912, the Wisconsin Department of Forestry established a ranger station and fire tower at Rest Lake in Manitowish Waters, one of four original outposts designed to help subdue destructive wildfires.

GARRETT

DIETZ

NESTLED IN THE HEART OF WISCONSIN’S NORTHWOODS, the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest encompasses 236,000 acres of rugged beauty stretching across Vilas, Oneida and Iron counties. Hidden in this expansive forest — the largest state property in Wisconsin — are countless natural areas and historical treasures.

These hidden gems take many forms: from secret trails and overlooks that may go years without visitors to artifacts buried in the earth, revealing a vivid history of the forest’s transformation over the past century.

The state forest was established 100 years ago, but the story of this land began well before that. For centuries, it was the ancestral home of the Ojibwe people. The rich forests, hundreds of lakes and abundant wildlife provided resources for these communities long before written records.

Although the lands were ceded through a series of treaties, the Ojibwe still retain the right to hunt, fish and gather within the state forest and the rest of the ceded territory in Wisconsin.

FORESTRY TAKES ROOT

At the turn of the 20th century, northern Wisconsin was a shadow of its former beauty, dotted with brush piles and stumps from decades of intense logging. This cutover was prone to erosion and forest fires, completely different from the seemingly neverending pine forests that once dominated the landscape.

Efforts to convert the region into farmland had largely failed, as harsh winters and sandy soil made sustainable farming nearly impossible. Amid this crisis, forestry as a science began to take root in the U.S. Wisconsin leaders recognized the urgent need for conservation and revived discussions about preserving northern forests. The first state forest nursery emerged from this barren land, established at Trout Lake in 1911. This experimental nursery has since multiplied in size many times over, producing more than 1.6 billion seedlings for reforestation projects across the state.

In the early 1920s, the state began purchasing cutover lands in northern Wisconsin with the vision of restoring these areas to ecological health and public use. By 1925, Northern Forest Park was officially designated, marking the start of a long journey to transform barren landscapes into thriving woodlands.

Reforestation became a top priority in the following decades. State foresters and local communities worked tirelessly to plant trees, suppress wildfires and heal the land.

CCC, YCC ARE KEY

The biggest initial key to success for this depleted land was the deployment of the 660th Company of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Established as part of the New Deal to help the country recover from the Great Depression, the CCC deployed men ages 18-25 to improve public lands and protect our natural resources.

Four CCC camps were set up around what is now known as the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest and were integral in working year-round to help build roads, tend the nursery, plant trees and restore wildlife habitat. Efforts laid the groundwork for today’s forest, including the dense woodlands and proud structures still standing tall.

In the decades following the CCC’s disbandment in 1942 (as U.S. involvement in World War II increased), the young forest grew again. But the work was far from finished.

In 1962, the first Youth Conservation Corps camp was established at Statehouse Lake near Manitowish Waters. Inspired by Gaylord Nelson, Wisconsin’s governor at the time, the YCC was meant to continue the legacy of conservation championed by the CCC and give high school students interested in natural resources the skills and experience necessary to pursue careers in the field. President Nixon later signed a national YCC program into law.

Since its inception, 24,000 students have participated in the YCC across Wisconsin. At the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, they planted 30,000 trees, constructed hundreds of fish cribs, created 17 miles of trails and completed countless other projects under the direction of state foresters.

As the trees planted by the CCC and YCC continued growing, so did the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. The state added more parcels of land, and the property got its current name in 1968 when the American Legion Forest and the Northern Highland Forest were combined.

The DNR now continues the longstanding legacy of conservation and sustainable forest management in the forest, which restored this once-barren land to a vibrant forest teeming with wildlife and recreation opportunities.

ARTIFACTS OF TIMES PAST

The forest is rich in history, boasting over 100 historic buildings and structures. These monuments are a tribute to those who worked to revive the landscape. The CCC-built ranger station, dormitory and shop are still in use, and the first YCC camp at Statehouse Lake

Youth Conservation Corps fi sh management project at Statehouse Lake in Vilas County, August 1962, the first summer of the YCC.

DOROTHY

Far left: Civilian Conservation Corps workers, including this 1936 crew in Iron County, were an early key to the recovery of the Northern HighlandAmerican Legion State Forest.

Center: Boys head out from the Statehouse Lake Youth Conservation Corps camp for a day’s work in the forest, August 1962.

is now the North Lakeland Discovery Center, located just outside the bounds of the forest.

In addition to these buildings and structures, DNR archaeologists have documented hundreds of previously discovered archaeological sites. Some of these include possible bootlegging hideouts from the time of Prohibition, and there also are ancient burial sites.

In a forest so expansive, no one knows how many more artifacts are waiting to be discovered. History quite literally awaits at the end of nearly every trail.

To learn more about the forest’s storied past, stop by the visitor centers at Crystal Lake and Clear Lake or venture down the Camp Mercer Interpretive Trail. The trail has two branching loops that lead hikers on a 3-mile journey back in time, revisiting CCC project sites and old logging infrastructure, as explained by dozens of interpretive panels and signs.

A YEAR TO CELEBRATE

The forest’s centennial in 2025 is a milestone that reflects the work of countless individuals who spent decades caring for and restoring this land.

From the first state foresters and local residents working with CCC members to replant the forest to modern sustainable forest management and timber harvest, the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is defined by a generation-spanning commitment to sustainability and stewardship. It’s a story of resilience, renewal and community.

To commemorate the centennial, the DNR will host events throughout the year, including seasonal self-guided activities, a public event in June with historical presentations plus more to honor the forest’s origins.

Whether you visit for the serene beauty of its lakes, the thrill of its trails or the stories hidden within its trees, the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest provides endless opportunities to connect with nature and Wisconsin’s rich conservation heritage.

LEARN MORE

Scan the QR code or go to dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3426

to learn more about the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest’s centennial celebration. For general information about the state forest, see dnr.wi.gov/tiny/1026.

Garrett Dietz is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

Fallison Lake, Vilas County.

Prong Lake, Vilas County.

SARAH HILL

KAMMY LEE

KIDS CORNER

ANDREA ZANI

Clockwise: Eastern kingbird nest, red-winged blackbird, baby rabbit, American robin, fox kit, trillium, camouflaged fawn.

FIRST FLOWERS

Seeing buds on trees is a sure sign of spring. Meanwhile, in gardens and in the wild, plenty of perennial flowers (those that come back every year) begin to emerge. Some of these spring beauties are ephemeral, blooming for just a short time before they disappear. Catch them while you can, but don’t pick them — some ephemeral flowers are threatened species in Wisconsin.

Here are three Wisconsin natives you might see.

y Trout lily: The leaves of this plant are mottled, which means they are spotted or marked with smears of color — like a fish! They bloom in mid-April to mid-May, with white or yellow flowers, and usually grow in groups in shaded woods.

y Pasque flower: Usually found in sunny areas with dry soil, pasque flowers start with hairy stems that appear in March. They can bloom from March to May, with cupshaped flowers in light blue, lavender or white, and a bright yellow center.

y Trillium: Common in forests with partial shade, this three-petaled often white flower blooms in late spring and is a favorite food of white-tailed deer.

seeking signs of spring

Spring is near, and signs of the season are all around us. Be a spring sleuth! Can you spot some of these springtime signals in your own outdoor space?

BIRDS ARE BUSY

Have you seen a robin pulling worms from your lawn? Now, that says spring!

Robins, the state bird of Wisconsin, might head south in colder months or stay in Wisconsin but be less visible in winter. As spring nears, they become more active, singing to establish territory and attract mates.

Other birds depart for the winter, migrating to warmer areas. Look for them as they return to Wisconsin in spring — red-winged blackbirds, sandhill cranes, Canada geese, bluebirds, hummingbirds, Baltimore orioles and many more.

Bird nesting is another fun thing to spot in spring, and it can happen in lots of places. Watch for clues like birds tearing at grass or carrying sticks and repeatedly coming and going from the same shrub, tree cavity or patch of grass.

If you find a nest being built, or especially one that’s finished and has eggs present, be sure not to disturb it!

EGG-LAYING ACTION

Birds aren’t the only animals that lay eggs in spring. Many fish, reptiles and amphibians do, too.

Some frogs lay eggs in temporary ponds — ephemeral, you know that word. These are places where predators like fish can’t survive. The eggs turn into tadpoles that must grow quickly before the ponds dry up.

Many fish spawn in April and May, and turtle nesting season in Wisconsin happens from late May through early July. Turtles lay eggs in shallow, buried nests often along roadsides or even in backyards. Keep an eye out for turtles on the move around wetland areas, lakes and rivers at this time of year.

And don’t forget about other creatures like some snakes, salamanders, lizards and more — many of these are laying eggs in spring!

OTHER ANIMAL ACTIVITY

In general, spring in Wisconsin is a busy time for all sorts of animals getting ready and having their young. Foxes, chipmunks, otters, deer, beavers and raccoons are just some of those who have babies in spring.

Bear cubs are actually born in winter months, January or February, but are tiny, hairless and blind at birth. By spring, they are ready to emerge from their dens to explore the world.

Remember, when you see baby animals: Keep wildlife wild. Watch them from a respectful distance and leave them be, even if it seems like the animal might be alone. A young wild animal’s best chance for survival is with its mother, who’s probably watching from nearby!

Andrea Zani is managing editor of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.

SMELLS OF SPRING:

PLAY A SMELLING GAME!

As Mother Nature gets to work warming up the world outside, you may notice new smells in the air!

Here's how to play.

Have a grown-up help write the names of the people playing.

Go on a hike and look for things to smell, such as flowers, trees, dirt, moss and rain. Write and draw the things you smell in the boxes below.

After smelling, each person can rate each smell with a face.

wet rocks

Otto Mason

THIS SOUTHWEST WISCONSIN STATE

NATURAL AREA lies on the north face of a steep, 500-foot bluff overlooking the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. Located on the Mississippi River Flyway, the area serves as a key stopover for birds making their way between overwintering spots and summer breeding habitat. Spring migration peaks in April and May, and this is a great place to see many species of neotropical migrants. More than 250 species of birds have been recorded here.

A continuum of forest types can be found, from floodplain forests of silver maple and cottonwood at the bluff's base to oak woods at its summit. The mid-slope and rich soils around the cliff base feature a

southern mesic forest of red oak, sugar maple, hackberry, butternut and a high number of black walnuts.

Wyalusing Walnut Forest also supports an abundance of spring wildflowers and contains several interesting geologic features, including Signal Point, Lookout Point, Treasure Cave and Point Lookout, boasting beautiful views of the river confluence.

The state natural area is within Wyalusing State Park, so a state park vehicle admission pass is required. To visit during spring bird migration or any other time, take the main park road north 1.7 miles to the nature center parking lot.

The Bluff and Sentinel Ridge trails provide access to the natural area. For best birding, bring binoculars and a field guide or mobile bird app — and have fun exploring!

WYALUSING WALNUT FOREST STATE NATURAL AREA