Nearly 1,000 Acres in Wisconsin’s Central Sands Protected
The connection to Colburn Wildlife Area expands public access, wildlife corridor.
Media Contacts
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Beth Schwingel
Midwest Media Relations
Phone: 630-414-0901
Email: beth.schwingel@tnc.org
MADISON, Wis. — In a major boost for one of Wisconsin’s most ecologically significant regions, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has secured nearly 1,000 acres of jack pine-oak forest and wetlands in the Central Sands, linking protected habitat to the public Colburn Wildlife Area in north-central Adams County.
Protecting land adjacent to the existing 5,000-acre Colburn Wildlife Area creates a larger, more connected and resilient landscape that supports wildlife movement and water passage, and provides the public with greater access to explore Wisconsin’s unique Central Sands region.
“By linking these acres to Colburn Wildlife Area, we’re helping ensure the environment will function as a corridor where wildlife can move freely, where water can flow naturally and where people can experience the majesty of Wisconsin landscapes,” said Elizabeth Koehler, TNC in Wisconsin’s State Director. “This is an important milestone for both people and nature in the Central Sands.”
The property will be open to the public for hunting, hiking, birdwatching and quiet exploration, but visitors should be prepared for a rustic experience with no formal trails and a landscape that feels naturally remote.
“This landscape offers endless opportunities for discovery, as we’re still learning which wildlife species visitors might encounter. With a variety of migratory birds and pollinators in the Central Sands, keep an eye out for a red-headed woodpecker or a sandhill crane,” Koehler said. “And don’t miss the spring symphony of frogs echoing across the wetlands — a sound that truly brings this place to life.”
Wisconsin’s Central Sands is a 2.2-million-acre landscape shaped by glaciers and ancient lakes, featuring sandy plains, wetlands, pine-oak barrens and rocky outcrops. Its varied habitats and connected landscapes make it highly resilient to climate change, making its preservation a priority for TNC. This region is ecologically significant, supporting a variety of rare species such as the Karner blue butterfly, Kirtland’s warbler and the greater prairie chicken, though the Karner blue butterfly has not yet been documented in the newly protected area where TNC will engage in new research and restoration efforts.
“Our on-the-ground team is eager to better understand these wetlands and identify any special or significant species that may be present,” Koehler said. “We’ll also focus on restoring upland forests through invasive plant management, including prescribed fire, to help these woodlands thrive and become even more resilient.”
While clear trails and signage are limited, parking is available for those looking to visit at the dead end south of 1077 6th Ave. in Hancock. Please visit nature.org for more information about TNC. Click here to learn more about TNC’s work in the Central Sands.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 83 countries and territories (39 by direct conservation impact and 44 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. For more news, visit our newsroom or follow The Nature Conservancy on LinkedIn.