Augusta State Wildlife Area

This 2,100-acre marsh and woodland lies just south of Lake Eau Claire. Hiking trails access the interior of the property. Gravel roads provide driving access to a pair of small ponds where you can see herons and egrets feeding along the water’s edge while Sandhill Cranes forage in nearby marshes. As you walk the dike roads you’ll see marsh birds, wrens and sparrows. The mixed hardwood areas are good places to find Great Crested Flycatchers, Eastern Pewees and American Kestrels. The ponds’ proximity to Lake Eau Claire make them attractive to migrating or nesting waterfowl; look for Canada geese and numerous duck species on the ponds.

Directions: From Augusta, drive north 4 miles on Cty. G; then follow it east to the parking area. There is also a parking lot on the east side of the property off Kelly Road.

Gazetteer: Page 61, C-8.

Phone: 715/839-3771 (West Central Region Headquarters).

Web site: WDNR Augusta Wildlife Area (#18)

Signature Species: Sandhill Cranes, Sora Rails and Great Blue Herons.

Seasonality: Open all year.

Parking: Parking lots provided.

Nearest food & lodging: Augusta, 4 miles south.