MNN - Mother Nature Network

 

 

The Nature Conservancy is pleased to announce that 10 of its nature preserves have been recognized as outstanding examples of Wisconsin’s remaining wetlands by the Wisconsin Wetlands Association (WWA).

 

According to WWA, the “Wetland Gems” are sites that serve as high quality representatives of the vast, diverse and wonderful wetland riches that are a part of Wisconsin’s landscapes — marshes, swamps, bogs, fens and more. They provide important habitat for fish, frogs and other wildlife; perform valuable ecological services including floodwater retention and offer recreational and educational opportunities.

 

Nature Conservancy sites chosen as Wetland Gems include:

 

Chiwaukee Prairie, Kenosha County

Kangaroo Lake, Door County

Lulu Lake, Walworth and Waukesha counties

Mink River Estuary, Door County

North Bay, Door County

Page Creek Marsh, Marquette County

Quincy Bluff & Wetlands, Adams County

Rush Lake (Owen & Anne Gromme Preserve),

Fond du Lac and Winnebago counties

Summerton Bog, Marquette County

Waubesa Wetlands, Dane County

 

Since European settlement in the early 1800s, nearly half of Wisconsin’s original 10 million acres of wetlands have been drained or filled to make way for land uses like agriculture, forestry and development. A large portion of the five million remaining acres have been altered and degraded, which only heightens the value of the high quality wetland treasures that remain.

 

For almost 50 years, The Nature Conservancy and its supporters have protected wetlands, forests, prairies and other native habitats in Wisconsin for the benefit of people and nature.

 

Conservancy preserves are open to the public for hiking, bird-watching, hunting, cross-country skiing, canoeing and other types of outdoor recreation. We invite you to visit one of these Wetland Gems and experience the beauty and diversity of one of Wisconsin’s richest and most vulnerable native habitats.