Win for Habitat, Hunters, Waterfowl and Wild Turkeys: Land Acquisition Expands Wisconsin Wildlife Area

This significant addition was made possible through public grants from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund and the North American Wetland Conservation Act, together with the cooperation of Groundswell Conservancy and Ducks Unlimited and the support of the Wisconsin NWTF State Chapter and other dedicated philanthropic partners. This collective effort ensures this naturally invaluable piece of land will remain a thriving wildlife haven and a place where future generations can hunt, fish and experience the outdoors. 

"Opportunities for conservation partners to rally around a common project like this are great not only for each organization’s members but for the general public. By keeping large blocks of land like this in habitat, we are benefitting people, wildlife and water all in one act of conservation," said Clayton Lenk, NWTF district biologist for Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. 

Avon Bottoms Wildlife Area, owned and managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, sits along the winding floodplain of the Sugar River — a mosaic of lowland hardwood forest, sloughs, oxbows, grassland and cropland. Towering silver maples, swamp white oaks and green ash create a rich canopy that shelters abundant wildlife and supports a wide range of outdoor recreation. 

The area is already recognized as both a state Conservation Opportunity Area and a Wisconsin Important Bird Area, thanks to its remarkable biodiversity. Wild turkeys, ring-necked pheasants, northern bobwhite quail, teal, wood ducks and dozens of songbird species rely on this landscape. Without permanent conservation, this land was at risk of being divided and sold, fragmenting habitat and diminishing wildlife value. 

For NWTF members, this project is emblematic of the organization’s mission. Conserving large tracts of habitat not only supports healthy wild turkey populations, but it secures the future of hunting opportunities that are core to our American hunting traditions.  

With this acquisition, new opportunities will open for turkey hunters as well as waterfowl, upland bird and small game enthusiasts. Recreational access will grow for hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, birdwatching, trail running and more. Just as importantly, the site will conserve habitat for at-risk species, including four federal species of concern, such as the Cerulean Warbler and Blanding’s Turtle; five state-endangered species, including the Yellow-throated Warbler and Ornate Box Turtle; nine state-threatened species; and 18 state special concern species. 

The expansion of Avon Bottoms Wildlife Area is a prime example of a collaborative conservation success and a demonstration of what happens when organizations, agencies and local communities work together toward a shared vision. This effort conserves one of Rock County’s largest contiguous habitat blocks, enhances water quality, strengthens climate resilience and ensures that wild turkey and other wildlife habitat will be there for decades to come. It is the kind of landscape-scale conservation that NWTF members make possible through their support and dedication. 

“The Wisconsin NWTF State Chapter is proud to stand alongside Ducks Unlimited, the Wisconsin DNR and all partners who helped turn this opportunity into reality,” said Brian Dalsing, Wisconsin NWTF State Chapter secretary. “This collaboration highlights a fundamental truth of conservation — we can accomplish more together than any of us can alone.” 

And as wild turkeys, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts benefit from these 1,900 newly conserved acres, NWTF members take pride in knowing they helped move the needle for wildlife, habitat and the future of our hunting heritage. 

About the National Wild Turkey Federation  

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.