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Madison Audubon Goose Pond Sanctuary, Erstad Prairie and Schoenberg Marsh Waterfowl Production Area

Historically known as the Empire Prairie, these sites are part of a 5,800-acre Northern Empire Prairie Wetlands Important Bird Area that draw species of birds attracted to the shallow wetlands, sedge meadows, oak savannas, remnant and restored prairies, and deep-water marshes. Large spring and fall migrations of waterfowl, including Tundra Swans, make these sites popular with bird watchers. Goose Pond is a State Natural Area with more than 250 species of birds recorded there. Viewing birds at these properties is best from the main roads and driveways by using your car as a blind, taking care not to flush birds by walking down to water.

Directions: Goose Pond Sanctuary is located 1.5 miles south of Arlington via Hwy 60/51 and Goose Pond Rd. Schoenberg Marsh and Erstad Prairie are located 3 miles east of Arlington via Hwy 60 east to Harvey Rd north. The property lies on both sides of Harvey Road.

Madison Audubon Goose Pond Sanctuary, Erstad Prairie and Schoenberg Marsh Waterfowl Production Area map

Gazetteer: Page 36, B-2 (prior to 10th edition). | Page 85, B-8 and 86, B-1 (10th edition).

Phone: 608/255-2473 (Madison Audubon Society).

Web site: Madison Audubon Society

Signature Species: Tiger salamander, Sedge Wren, Black Tern and Northern Harrier.

Rare species: Blanding’s Turtle, Dickcissel and Black-billed Cuckoo.

Parking: Parking lots.

Nearest food & lodging:Arlington / DeForest, Poynette /
Portage.