Puchyan Prairie State Natural Area

This site is a mosaic of open wetland communities including sedge meadow, marsh and low prairie in the floodplain of the Puchyan River. As you walk toward the river, the vegetation grades into a broad shallow marsh. A small island in the wetland contains black and bur oak trees surrounded by hazelnut shrubs. The bird list for this 169-acre property is extensive. As you explore the property, look for mink and ground squirrels. The display of wildflowers is diverse with 130 native species recorded.

Directions: From Green Lake, go north 1.3 miles on Hwy 49, then west 3 miles on Cty J, then north and west on 1.3 miles on Cty CC, then north 0.4 miles on Puchyan Marsh Road to the southwest corner of the site.

Gazetteer: Page 45, A-5.

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

Web site: Puchyan Prairie State Natural Area

Signature species: American Bittern, Black Tern and Northern Harrier.

Rare species: Blanding’s turtle, King Rail, Henslow’s Sparrow and Le Conte’s Sparrow.

Seasonality: Open all year.

Parking: Park along road.

Nearest food & lodging: Green Lake.