Once part of Glacial Lake Wisconsin, the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge consists of more than 43,000 acres of wetlands and open water areas; pine, oak and aspen forests; grasslands; and savannahs, all of which support a rich diversity of fish and wildlife. Located in Wood and Juneau counties in central Wisconsin, the Refuge was established in 1939 as a safe haven and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.
Visitors can observe a treasure house of wildlife, including Canada geese, trumpeter swans, ducks, sandhill cranes and more than 220 other bird species, as well as deer, wild turkey, wolves, coyotes, bears, porcupines and beaver.
People visit the refuge each year to hunt, fish, hike, observe wildlife, pick blueberries and catch a glimpse of the whooping crane chicks in training. The refuge also manages habitat for several threatened and endangered species, including the Karner blue butterflies, timber wolves, whooping cranes and the Blanding's turtle.
Hiking trails, observation towers and automobile routes provide easy access to catch a glimpse of the wildlife. For more information, contact 608/565-2551 or visit midwest.fws.gov/necedah.