Shaw Marsh Wildlife Area
Shaw Marsh Wildlife Area (900 acres) is centered around a 700-acre emergent wetland through which flows Shaw Brook. Shaw Brook along with other waterways entering the marsh, were ditched and straightened in the early 1900s in an attempt to farm the marsh soil. The wildlife area is dominated by perennial emergent wetland plants, primarily cattail. Uplands surrounding the marsh are primarily grassland with a few small forest stands.
Shaw Marsh is open to hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, paddling, gathering wild edibles (i.e., nuts, berries & mushrooms), and more. Pheasants are stocked at Shaw Marsh during the pheasant hunting season.
Management Objectives
Habitat management has focused primarily on grassland and wetland restoration and maintenance. Prescribed burning, mowing, tree removal, and herbicide are used to control the encroachment of woody and invasive species in these habitats. Although there is little forested acreage, forest stands are managed using periodic thinning to encourage the growth of desirable tree species.
Recreation
The Shaw Marsh Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Geocaching
- Hiking
- Hunting (especially noted for pheasant, deer, turkey and waterfowl)
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - there are five parking areas throughout the property.
- Campground and size - none.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - none.
Maps
Download [PDF] a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
Find out more about how to adopt this wildlife area.