Lands_Content Page_Lodi Marsh Wildlife Area

Lodi Marsh Wildlife Area

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Lodi Marsh Wildlife Area is 1,183 acres on the Dane and Columbia county border. This property contains an intact and diverse mix of wetland and upland ecosystems in a very scenic setting. The Lodi Marsh State Natural Area located within the wildlife area, is a large wetland complex with numerous springs and spring runs, southern sedge meadow, fen, shallow marsh, shrub-carr with some cattail marsh and disturbed-low prairie. The principal upland habitat types are oak woodlands, oak openings, surrogate grasslands and small remnant dry prairie.

The wildlife area provides excellent hunting opportunities for turkey, deer, squirrel and rabbit. Pheasant hunting opportunities are supported by the department's pheasant stocking program. The ongoing grassland restoration efforts are improving the quality of the habitat for grassland birds and pheasants. Trapping for muskrat, beaver and otter is also popular at Lodi Marsh.

Approximately 4 miles of the Ice Age Trail crosses the property and is regularly used by hikers and birders who enjoy the scenic vistas and natural setting. The Dane County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance helps maintain the trail as well as provide habitat improvements to the property.

Management Objectives

The management objectives for Lodi Marsh State Wildlife Area include:

  • Enhancing the diverse, high-quality habitats for game species, pollinators and non-game species that make this site unique.
  • Providing a high-quality recreational experience for hikers, anglers, hunters and wildlife watchers.

Department staff and volunteers have been working to restore prairie, savannas and woodlands throughout the property using prescribed fire, reseeding of native plants and control of invasive plants. As funding allows, we are using a forestry mower to reclaim brush and trees that have taken over grass fields and the wetlands. Existing grassland units are being enlarged through the removal of trees that fragment adjacent fields. This will enhance habitat conditions for the state-threatened Henslow's sparrow as well as provide better brood cover for turkeys and pheasants. Existing grassland units are being diversified through interseeding to improve habitat for moths and other pollinators.

Visit the property planning for more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state.

Recreation

The Lodi Marsh Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:

  • Birding [exit DNR]
  • Canoeing
  • Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
  • Firewood permits available upon request
  • Fishing
  • Hiking (Ice Age Trail [exit DNR])
  • Hunting (waterfowl, turkey, pheasant [stocked], deer, squirrel and rabbit)
  • Trapping
  • Wild edibles/gathering
  • Wildlife viewing

Amenities

  • Bathroom - none.
  • Parking lot - yes.
  • Campground and size - there is a dispersed campsite for the IAT on the property but I would prefer not to advertise it as its supposed to be used by hikers only.
  • Trails, Types and Lengths - Ice Age Trail.

Maps

If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.

Adopt a Fish or Wildlife Area

 

Find out more about how to adopt this wildlife area.