Germania Marsh State Wildlife Area

This 2,400-acre site is a mix of oak forest, wetlands, sedge meadows and old fields. The Mecan River flows through the property hydrating the wetlands and attracting flocks of waterfowl in the spring and fall. In the summer, the meadows support Karner Blue Butterflies while the marshes hold Blanding’s turtles. Look for terns as they dive for small minnows or insects. In the spring, listen for the American Woodcock in the aspen thickets at dusk, and hear the drumming of the Ruffed Grouse in the woods. The sky overhead can be filled with migrating Common Night Hawks in late August. Look for Red-tail Hawks and Turkey Vultures soaring overhead, and low-flying Northern Harriers over the meadows.

Directions: Located 7 miles north of Montello via Hwy 22.

Gazetteer: Page 44, A-2.

Phone: 920/361-3149 (Berlin WDNR).

Web site: WDNR Germania Marsh State Wildlife Area (#55)

Signature Species: Bald Eagle and Osprey.

Rare Species: Common, Black and Forester’s Terns.

Parking: Parking lots.

Nearest food & lodging: Montello and Westfield.