Nestled in central Wisconsin is a landscape that was epitomized by early homesteaders as the Great Wisconsin Swamp. A mosaic habitat of sedge meadow, savanna, prairie, and pine-oak forest established in 1939, Necedah National Wildlife Refuge is home to ringed boghaunter dragonflies, whooping cranes, trumpeter swans, wolves, Karner blue butterflies, badgers, and red-headed woodpeckers.
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge has one of the largest savanna restorations taking place in Wisconsin. These efforts have provided habitat for more than 110 species of migratory birds, three species of amphibians, 14 types of reptiles, and more than 44 species of butterflies in central Wisconsin The restorations on the refuge are invaluable to the continued survival of many of these species such as the state threatened Blanding’s turtle; federally endangered Karner blue butterfly and whooping crane; red-headed woodpecker, golden-winged warbler, and bobolink.
The refuge also has a successful reintroduction record with the release of Canada geese in1939, wild turkey in 1952, mallards in the 1960s, trumpeter swan in 1994, and is currently working to restore an experimental population of whooping cranes.
Our Primary Purposes
- Provide resting, nesting, feeding and wintering habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds
- Protect and restore the Karner blue butterfly and red-headed woodpecker
- Protect endangered and threatened species and their habitats
- Provide for biodiversity
- Restore rare oak savanna habitat
- Provide public opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental education
Refuge Contact Information
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
N11385 Headquarters Road
Necedah, WI 54646
(608) 565-3160 fax
People with hearing impairments can reach the refuge through the Federal Information Relay System at 1-800-877-8339.