Bloomfield Wildlife Area
Bloomfield Wildlife Area is a 1,267-acre property located just east of Lake Geneva. It consists of wetlands, grasslands, oak savannas, scattered woodlots, and portions of lakeshore surrounding Lake Ivanhoe.
Access lanes, while not maintained as trails, are frequently used for hiking and bird watching. The wetlands and grasslands provide good deer, pheasant, and waterfowl hunting opportunities.
Easy access points are off Litchfield Road, Clover Road, North Bloomfield Road, and Hafs Road. Lake Ivanhoe portions can be accessed off Lyons Road and Dunbar Ave.
Management Objectives
Bloomfield regularly receives prescribed fire to maintain the health and vigor of the open prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. Haying cool season grass fields helps keep these habitats free of woody species while still allowing nesting for grassland birds in early summer.
Most of the wetlands on Bloomfield are allowed to rise and fall naturally as precipitation and groundwater levels vary. The one exception is the impoundment on the corner of N. Bloomfield and Clover Road, which is artificially raised or drained periodically to provide additional resources for wildlife in the area.
Timber sales are a regular part of forest management and are necessary for a healthy vigorous forest with regeneration. While Bloomfield does not have expansive forest habitats, those that are present will be harvested periodically in order to simulate natural disturbance patterns and free space for a new generation of trees.
Visit the property planning for more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state.
Recreation
The Bloomfield Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Canoeing
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Fishing
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Note: Access lanes are not regularly mowed, but are frequently utilized as hiking paths. The property is open to foot traffic only, no vehicles or bikes are allowed outside of parking areas.
- Hunting (noted for pheasant, duck and deer)
- Trapping
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - yes.
- Campground and size - none.
- Trails, Types and Lengths - non-designated trails only.
Maps
Download [PDF] a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
