The refuge has been established since November 6, 2012. It all started with a generous 12 acre conservation easement donation and local support from community members. Located in southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois, Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge will serve to connect the dots of existing conserved land already in the area. The refuge will ultimately improve or restore more than 11,000 acres of drained wetland basins, historic prairie and forest habitats. Habitat is restored by purchasing lands and easements from willing sellers, helping landowners restore their land and working with partners.

Visit Us

Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge is located in southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois, giving visitors an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing and photography, hiking, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Location and Contact Information

      For National Wildlife Refuges

      To report a wildlife violation, call 1-844-FWS-TIPS or 1-844-397-8477

      About Us

      The refuge was established on November 6, 2012 with the donation of a 12 acre conservation easement conservation easement
      A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a government agency or qualified conservation organization that restricts the type and amount of development that may take place on a property in the future. Conservation easements aim to protect habitat for birds, fish and other wildlife by limiting residential, industrial or commercial development. Contracts may prohibit alteration of the natural topography, conversion of native grassland to cropland, drainage of wetland and establishment of game farms. Easement land remains in private ownership.

      Learn more about conservation easement       . Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge will connect the dots of conserved land in southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois. The refuge will ultimately improve or restore more than 11,000 acres of drained wetland basins, historic prairie and forest habitats. Habitat is restored by purchasing lands and easements from willing sellers, helping landowners restore their land and working with partners.

      Our Species

      Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for a wide variety of life in multiple habitats. More than 200 species of birds, 70 species of fish, 30 species of reptiles and amphibians, 35 species of mammals and hundreds of plant species have been recorded. What will you see when you visit?