Clover Valley Wildlife Area
Clover Valley Wildlife Area is a 619-acre property (with additional acres leased) located 2 miles south of Whitewater in Walworth County. The property hosts a segment of the Ice Age Trail with a habitat consisting of wetlands, grasslands and hardwood forest. Brook Creek meanders through the Island Road parcel. Wetlands provide waterfowl hunting opportunities, and uplands provide deer, woodcock and small game opportunities. Many non-game species frequent the area, especially the wetlands.
Management Objectives
Clover Valley Wildlife Area is managed to maintain or enhance the forested wetlands and open uplands. Forestry management primarily includes timber harvest, tree planting, forestry mowing, herbicide to control invasive species, and occasional prescribed fire.
The uplands off Highway 89 are managed with a cooperative agreement to graze during the growing season. The grazing area is segmented off into small paddocks (~5 acres) and cattle are moved frequently in order to intensively graze a small area and then move on to allow the herbaceous vegetation to recover. This approach aids in weed control, reduces woody species establishment, and invigorates the grassland vegetation while still allowing year-round use by wildlife species. These areas are open to public use year-round, please respect our infrastructure and do not harass the cattle while they are on-site.
Visit the property planning for more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state.
Recreation
The Clover Valley Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Camping (only in designated Dispersed Camping Area on Ice Age Trail)
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail
- Hiking (non-designated trails and the Ice Age Trail)
- Hunting (Note: some areas along Ice Age Trail are closed to hunting)
- Trapping (Note: some areas along Ice Age Trail are closed to trapping)
- Wild edibles/gathering (wild rice)
- Wildlife viewing
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - yes.
- Campground and size - only in designated Dispersed Camping Area on Ice Age Trail.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - Ice Age Trail.
Maps
Download a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
