|
|
The Wisconsin Rapids Area is located in the geographical center of TEN state and federal wildlife viewing areas. Center your travels (and your binoculars) on Central Wisconsin and enjoy hours of serenity among our winged friends.
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
The Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, covering more than 43,500 acres of wetlands, forest, restored oak savanna and prairie, is a prime place for birdwatching. Located just 22 miles south of Babcock and Sandhill Wildlife Area on Highway 21, the refuge is home to more than 220 species of birds. Birders may spot herons, red-headed woodpeckers, common loons, tundra swans, trumpeter swans, turkey vultures, ruffed grouse, wild turkeys and golden eagles.
The reintroduction of migratory whooping cranes, however, has stolen the birding show at Necedah. Wildlife biologists, working with ultralight aircraft pilots, conducted flight training with a small flock of whooping cranes at Necedah, and in the fall of 2001, the birds made their first migration guided by ultralight aircraft to their wintering ground in Florida. In April and May 2002, five whooping cranes returned to Necedah, completing their first successful migration on their own. Since 2001, 64 whooping cranes have been reintroduced successfully and migrate along a well-defined corridor between central Wisconsin (including Necedah National Wildlife Refuge) and Florida.
Wisconsin's Meadow Valley State Wildlife Area totals more than 60,000 acres and is adjacent to the refuge. Additional birding opportunities are available on these public grounds.
Check our Calendar of Events for an updated nature/outdoor schedule at the refuge and be sure to download a
National Wildlife Refuge Map before you go!
George W. Mead State Wildlife Area
Located approximately 25 miles north of Wisconsin Rapids on County Hwy. S, Mead Wildlife Area totals some 28,500 acres. With more than 70 miles of dikes and trails to hike, birding enthusiasts will have plenty to explore. A popular spot for sandhill cranes, visitors may also find trumpeter swans, henslow's sparrows, greater prairie chickens, and ospreys. Download a Mead Wildlife Area Map prior to your visit.
Buena Vista Wildlife Area
The Buena Vista Grassland and interconnecting Leola Marsh, located in Portage and Adams counties, consist of the best and most extensive prairie chicken habitat left in Wisconsin. Just 10 miles east of Wisconsin Rapids on Hwy. W, the area totals more than 11,000 acres. Every April volunteers from across the state and the country come to the Buena Vista Area to aid in the spring prairie chicken census. Download a Buena Vista Wildlife Area Map and the adjoining Leola Marsh Wildlife Area Map prior to your visit. Check our Calendar of Events for more information and to make your viewing reservation!
Sandhill Wildlife Area
Climb one of three observation towers located throughout the area to catch an aerial view of the wildlife and habitat in its undisturbed form. A small herd of American bison, white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, Canada geese, ducks, loons, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, shorebirds, songbirds, hawks, owls and furbearers find a great home here at Sandhill. You will find the land is a remote, quiet wildlife oasis amidst a bustling world dominated by people. Check our Calendar of Events for Sandhill's annual "Mornings on the Marsh" event in October. Visitors will have the chance to share their days with more than 5,000 sandhill cranes at Gallagher Marsh. Download a Sandhill Wildlife Area Map.
Wood County Wildlife Area
Located in southwestern Wood County, approximately 20 miles from Wisconsin Rapids, the Wood County Wildlife Area is comprised of 18,500 acres and includes acres of aspen, lowland brush and sedges. The area is a prime viewing spot for Sharp-tailed Grouse. Other species include Bobolink, Northern Harrier, Least Flycatcher, Nashville Warbler and Yellow Warbler. Download a Wood County Wildlife Area Map.
|
|
