Bong Naturalist Association

Richard Bong State Recreation Area is lucky to have a mix of habitats in its 4,515 acres including grasslands, wetlands, oak woodlands, and savanna.

One of the goals is to proactively protect, maintain, and restore these historical habitats to pre-settlement conditions. Early surveyor notes and texts provide direction; therefore, visitors can step into the ecological history of Wisconsin in this park.

This mix of habitats provides a home for many animal and plant species. By visiting each habitat, you can experience the diversity of the Midwest.

Each season highlights a change of plants and animals. Visit often to experience these exciting changes.

As daylight lengthens, plants start to grow, and animals become active. The park awakes. Cranes and Red-winged blackbirds arrive in late February followed by a parade of migrating wood duck, shoveler, pintail, gadwall, and other waterfowl.

Look for wildlife and spring flowers in the following areas:

Beavers	East end of Wolf Lake. Their felled trees and log lodges are conspicuous.
Frogs	In every pond.
Hibernating animals	All stirring from hibernation.
Migrant Birds	Look throughout the park.
Warblers	Rhodes Road, Vista and Sunrise Group Campsites.
Wildflowers	From early April through May the Blue Trail's blooms are spectacular. Hepatica, Mayapples, Prairie Trillium, and Virginia Waterleaf are but a few of the early flowers.

The prairie flourishes in the summer heat. Prairie grasses and flowers provide habitat for bobolink, upland sandpiper, eastern meadowlark and sandhill crane. The Green Trail provides the best view of the prairie splendor. Also look for:

Frogs	Urban Fishing Pond
Grassland Birds	Grassland Nesting Refuge
Rabbits	Campgrounds
Turtles and snakes	Parking Lot G

The last prairie flowers bloom and autumn color changes the look of the park. The northern birds arrive, and the summer residents head south. Mammals are especially active as they prepare for winter, making them easier to see. Look for:

Cranes/Egrets	Refuge
Deer	Vista Picnic Area
Ducks	Refuge and lake
Squirrels and Chipmunks	Rhodes Road

The park has special winter residents. Hike any trail after a snow to find and follow animal tracks, remembering to stay off the ski tracks. Look for:

Deer	Rhodes Road
Northern Harriers	Found in Special Use Zone
Rough-legged Hawks	Found in Special Use Zone
Short-eared or Snowy owls-shrikes	Found in Special Use Zone

This website is provided and maintained by The Bong Naturalist Association a
non-profit Friends' organization formed to benefit the park and its visitors.

STAY UP TO DATE

Related Information

• Trails
• State Park Admission
• Outdoor Fun
• Wisconsin DNR
• FAQs about the Park

In addition to the wealth of information found throughout our pages, you might also want to visit our Calendar. You might find an event that you would enjoy participating in.

Bong Naturalist Association would love to hear from you! If you would like us to send you information about Richard Bong State Recreation Area please contact us today.