We are the Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge. We are a non-profit organization that serves to conserve & enhance the natural and cultural resources, rural character and scenic beauty of the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge and to connect people to these resources.
The Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge was first established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 2012. The Refuge is located in McHenry County, IL and Walworth County, WI. The boundary employs a Cores and Corridors concept for wildlife preservation with a focus on migratory and grassland birds.
Exercise, fresh air, good company, and improving the quality of Hackmatack lands . . .it’s a great combination! See our Stewardship page for more information.
There are many ways to Support the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge. Find our more about how you can be involved in our mission to conserve.
Visit Our News page for announcements, programs, events, community activities, and Board meetings.
Current Announcements
A Good Turnout for World Migratory Bird Day
A group of visitors gathered early on Sunday, May 7, under the pavilion at Four Seasons Nature Preserve in Lake Geneva. Some arrived by 8 AM, but Wildlife Service Biologist Sarah Inyoue was there by 6:30 to set up the mist nets that would gently capture any birds...
The March’s Last Swing with Winter
Black-capped chickadee, Photo by Mike Budd/USFWSIn like a lion? Out like a lamb? What kind of wild mood swings are still in store this March?Nature has some predictable patterns regarding seasonal changes. Winter gives way to spring then summer followed by fall. But...
Community Project Funding for Illinois’ 14th District
The Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge applied for $975,000 through Congresswoman Underwood’s Community Project Funding. Watch our progress as we work on restoring wetlands and headwaters in Hackmatack NWR.
How to Visit Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge
We are a different kind of refuge, with a Cores & Corridors Concept for growing. Building this type of refuge takes time. It will take many patient years to grow, and will consist of three types of protected land that form a “donut” shape in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
Together, Refuge Core Areas + Local Conservation Lands + Privately Owned Protected Lands will create the unique Hackmatck National Wildlife Refuge, which will provide protected space for migratory and grassland birds, native plants, and native animal species. Surrounding the refuge boundary lies the Greater Hackmatack Ecosystem, a network of areas on which conservation work is occurring, just outside the actual boundaries of the Refuge.
Areas of the Refuge Open to the Public
Goose Pond Corridor:
Turner Tract
86 acres of high-quality woodland that explodes with wildflowers in the spring, also containing re-created wetlands, and fields of prairie on previously cultivated land
Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, N541 Co. Trunk H, Genoa City, WI.
Directions: From Genoa City, WI, take Highway H north 1/2 mi. out of town. There is a small parking lot. Look for the USFWS sign: Goose Pond Corridor
Trails: There are mowed trails through the woods and along the edge of the prairie.
Tamarack Core Area:
Blackmon Tract
11 acres induding a small woodland, opening up to a peaceful view of fields & wetland
Located west of the intersection of Hunter Dr. & Highway 12, Richmond, IL.
Directions: Park in public parking off Broadway St. in downtown Richmond and walk or bike the Prairie Path Trail going south, to get to this 11-acre tract. No parking on site. Look for the USFWS sign: Tamarack Core
Trails: There are bike racks and picnic tables available, and an accessible path to an overlook of the wetland area. Visitors are permitted to explore the property off-trail. The Prairie Path Trail runs through this property. Prairie Path Trail Map: https://ipp.org/trail-map/
Queen Anne Prairie Corridor:
Perricone-Schaid Tract
60 acres of land bisected by the Nippersink Creek; previously cultivated land which has been restored to prairie
Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, Woodstock, IL.
Directions: Located off Route 47 between Hebron and Woodstock, southwest of the intersection of
Rte. 47 & Thayer Rd. Look for a parking area on the west side of
Rte. 47, approx. 0.4 miles south of Thayer Rd. USFWS sign: Queen Anne Prairie Core
Trails: There are no trails at this site. Visitors are permitted to explore the 60-acre property.
Friends of Hackmatack NWR
P.O. Box 413
Richmond, IL 60071
friendsofhackmatacknwr@gmail.com
Call 262-448-3558 to listen for the latest updates on upcoming activities. If you need to reach us, please leave a message and we will return your call.
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