Situated amid some of Wisconsin’s most critical natural areas, and harboring important populations of rare and declining plant and animal species, the Badger lands provide a one-time-only opportunity for innovative conservation partnerships.
Restoration
Adapted from the Biological Inventory and Investigations Conducted at the Badger Army Ammunition Plant in 1998, prepared by the Aldo Leopold Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology.
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FLORA AND FAUNA An inventory of the plants at Badger indicates that although much of the property is overrun by non- native species of grasses and woody plants, there is still an abundance of native species. The list of species in a 1993 study includes eight listed as threatened or endangered at the state or federal level and several other species either nominated for listing or listed as "special concern." The small pockets of remnant native communities and scattered patches of native plant species are extremely valuable as seed banks for restoration efforts on site and at other locations in the area. Despite the scarcity of native plant communities, Badger is one of the most important habitats for native grassland birds in Wisconsin and even the entire Midwest. A recent study has shown that Badger is home to 16 species of birds considered to be endangered, threatened, or of special concern in Wisconsin, as well as 6 species under "watch" status due to steep population declines. The extensive high-quality, mature pastures at the plant provide habitat for meadowlarks, dickcissels, bobolinks, upland sandpipers, and many other species that were once common across the state, but have declined precipitously with the conversion of pasture agriculture to mowed forage crops and row crops. With over half of Wisconsin's grassland bird species in decline, the Badger lands are critical to their survival and eventual recovery.
Restoration |
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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. |
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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! |
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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... |
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Badger Reuse Plan The Sauk Prairie on the Badger lands presents the opportunity to provide endless opportunities for education, restoration, research, and low impact recreation. |
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Become a Member We need your support to continue to work toward a community-based conservation future for Badger. |