Necedah National Wildlife Refuge - Tomah Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention & Visitors Bureau

Necedah’s success in preserving and restoring habitat for wildlife and people is evident by the sights you will see while walking the Pair Ponds Trails or visiting the refuge’s other wildlife viewing “hot spots.”

An experimental release of whooping crane chicks started at the refuge in 2001. The goal is to restore a self-sustaining population that migrates in eastern North America.

Necedah is home to the Karner blue butterfly. This tiny butterfly is dependent upon Necedah’s barrens habitat. The larvae feed exclusively on wild lupine; the adults feed on nectar from a variety of wildflowers.

Bald eagles nest, feed, and rest on the refuge. You can usually view eagles soaring over the refuge’s major wetlands.

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge provides the southernmost habitat for the gray wolf in Wisconsin. The gray wolf was listed as federally endangered in Wisconsin 1967, when only a handful remained. Today, wolves are on their way to recovery with several packs established in the northern and central portions of the state.

The Refuge is located on State Hwy. 21 about 20 miles East of Tomah. Watch for Refuge signs.

Nature’s Calendar

Mid-June and early August – Annual flights of the rare Karner blue butterfly.

Spring and Fall – Spectacular waterbird migrations. Thousands of birds, including scaup, wigeons, swans, ring-necks, sandhill cranes, canvasbacks, mallards, teal, Canada geese and shorebirds.

Late Summer – brilliant displays of wildflowers – golds, purples, magentas, whites and reds; a special treat when viewed from the shade of a large, stately oak.

All Year – Whenever you choose to visit Necedah you may see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, ruffled grouse or even a black bear!

For more information on the refuge check out their website at Necedah Wildlife Refuge or call (608) 565-2551.