Rush Lake State Natural Area

Because of its rich wildlife population, this property is one of the state’s most important wetlands. Most significant are the migratory and breeding bird populations that frequent this site each year. The lake provides habitat for one of the state’s largest populations of Red-necked Grebes, a state-threatened species. The 3,100-acre lake is a shallow, marshy seepage lake surrounded by cattails, sedge meadow, wet prairie, and shrub-carr with clear, hard water that is highly productive. In the summer, water lilies bloom on the water and a large variety of marsh birds call from the sedges. Oak Openings and southern dry-mesic forests attract a good variety of songbirds.

Directions: From Ripon, go north 3.5 miles on Cty E to a dirt road on the east side of the road leading to a parking area.

Gazetteer: Page 45, A-6.

Phone: 920/424-7896 (Oshkosh WDNR).

Web site: Rush Lake State Natural Area

Signature Species: Red-necked Grebe, Black-crowned Night Heron, Least and American Bittern.

Rare Species: Forester’s Tern, American Black Duck and Black Tern.

Seasonality: Open all year.

Parking: Parking area.

Nearest food & lodging: Ripon.