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Wisconsin
Rush Lake/Owen & Anne Gromme Preserve
Why You Should Visit
The landscape surrounding this 3,200-acre lake inspired many scenes painted by Wisconsin wildlife artist Owen Gromme.
The water levels here fluctuate under natural conditions. These changing levels, combined with sedge meadows, prairie and oak openings in the upland areas, create an ideal environment for wildlife — especially breeding and migratory birds.
Location
North East Wisconsin — 3 to 4 miles north of Ripon in Fond du Lac and Winnebago counties
Hours
Open year-round, dawn to dusk
Conditions
This preserve does not contain trails.
Please note: You may hear gunfire on neighboring lands during the fall duck hunting season.
Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
Its rich diversity of wildlife, which includes both game and non-game species, makes Rush Lake one of the state's most important wetland communities.
What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
The Conservancy made its first acquisition at Rush Lake in 1988. Today, we own and manage 288 acres.
The Conservancy is working cooperatively with private landowners, other conservation organizations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the State of Wisconsin to secure long-term protection for the highest quality natural communities and endangered species habitat in the Rush Lake watershed.
Volunteers are helping the Conservancy restore the prairies and oak savannas at the site by collecting and planting native grasses and wildflowers and removing non-native invasive plants.
Things To Do
What to See: Plants
Rush Lake is a shallow marshy lake with large adjacent wetlands of cattails and sedges, and shrubs such as dwarf birch, dogwood and willow. Remnant oak savannas, once common but now very rare, occur on the higher, drier ground.
What to See: Wildlife
Two hundred years ago, a visitor to Rush Lake would have seen bison, elk, gray wolves and black bear roaming the uplands.
Today this area is most significant for its outstanding migratory and breeding bird populations. Birds that commonly nest here include the following:
- American Coots
- Black Terns
- Common Moorhens
- Least Bitterns
- Marsh Wrens
- Pied-billed Grebes
- Redheads
- Ruddy Ducks
- Swamp Sparrows
Two rare birds — red-necked grebe and Forster's tern — also nest here.
In addition, Wisconsin's sportsmen recognize this area for its game species.
Plan Your Visit
Wetlands are abundant, so please wear appropriate footgear for traversing wet ground.
Please see our preserve visitation guidelines.
Directions
From downtown Ripon:
- To reach the preserve, Follow Cnty Hwy E north approx. 2 miles to the intersection with Cork Street and turn right (east).
- Follow Cork Street for 2.25 miles to a "T" intersection with Island Road.
- Turn left (north) and travel 1.25 miles.
- Turn right (east) on Sportsman Road.
- Follow Sportsman Road 3 miles (it will take a sharp left turn after 1.5 miles) to a "T" intersection with Mountain Road.
- Turn left (west) and travel 0.5 miles.
- Mountain Road turns right (north) and becomes Sportsman Road again.
- Preserve land is located on either side of the road. Park on shoulder out of way of traffic.
(Map to Gromme/Rush Lake)
Discussion
Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.
Add Your Comments
Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!
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