In the rolling countryside of southern Wisconsin, a 7,354-acre industrial facility rests anomalously on the landscape. This is the Badger Army Ammunition Plant, one of many arms production facilities that were built in great haste in the days following the United States’ entry into World War II.

History of the Badger Lands

Excerpted and adapted from a report prepared by the Badger History Group and the Historical Resources Subcommittee of the Badger Reuse Committee.
By Mike Mossman

EARLY SETTLEMENT  Prior to Euro-American settlement, which began in the 1840s, the Badger Army Ammunition Plant tract was a mosaic of tallgrass prairie (primarily on outwash, part of the 14,000-acre Sauk Prairie), oak savanna (primarily on moraine) and semi-open oak woodland (on the Baraboo Hills).

The tract and its surroundings were inhabited by Sauk Indians when white explorers visited in the 18th century, then by Ho-Chunk until the land was ceded in 1837. Older effigy and burial mounds, linked to Ho-Chunk ancestors, were present but were destroyed after settlement.

Pre-War Settlement

War Era

Post World-War II Production

Current Status

Our Goals
Our mission statement and goals were developed as part of our strategic planning process in the spring of 2002, after incorporating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Volunteer
Work parties are a great way to meet others who are interested in conservation, the Sauk Prairie, or the Badger Army Ammunition Plant. It also presents a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Wisconsin's native prairie and savanna communities!
History of the Badger Lands
The history of the Badger Plant and the greater Sauk Prairie is an amalgam of many histories, beginning billions of years ago with the formation of some of the oldest and most durable rocks on earth...
Imagine!
Badger presents the opportunity to provide endless recreational pursuits for area residents, including hiking, photography, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and camping.
Become a Member
We have over 200 members and we are growing! We need your support to continue to work toward a community-based conservation future for Badger.
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