Into the Wild

Richard Bong State
Recreation Area

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by Sheryl DeVore

Hunkered down in grassy fields so no one can see them, the creatures wait to rise. Finally, when barely a hint of daylight remains, one of them decides it’s time. It lifts into the air, appearing like a large moth, flapping its wings as it flies just above the horizon searching for voles.

This is what nature lovers come to see in winter at the 4,515-acre Richard Bong State Recreation Area in southeastern Wisconsin — the emergence of short-eared owls at dusk. However, there’s so much more to experience in every season at this multi-use area named after America’s most distinguished fighter pilot, Richard Ira Bong.

About 1,200 acres contain old fields, mostly the remainder of a scrapped federal project to build a jet fighter-interceptor base. The rest of the area holds remnant prairie, sedge meadows, oak savannas, wetlands, and a manmade lake. The park was almost developed into an industrial complex, but in 1974, the state of Wisconsin set it aside as a recreation and wildlife area. Because of its breeding grassland bird habitat, the park was designated in 2005 as an Important Bird Area.

Some 235 bird species call the recreation area home for at least part of the year. Park naturalist Beth Goeppinger loves winter there — and admits her favorite activity is driving the main road along the Special Use Area looking for owls, rough-legged hawks, and northern harriers. These raptors breed across Canada, and retreat to the Midwest for winter. Northern shrikes also come from the north and set up territories in shrubby grasslands in winter, where they cache voles in trees for later consumption.

Parts of the Special Use Area are used, mostly in the warmer months, for dog trial runs, all-terrain vehicles, and model airplane flying. Hunting is allowed on the property at certain times of the year. Snowmobilers also park their vehicles in the recreation area’s lots, but Goeppinger says they are not allowed on the property. “They use the county trails around the park,” she says. “They don’t disturb the short-eared owls, and the ATVs have to be out by sunset.”

Those wanting peace and quiet should take to the trails, which wind through grassland, woodland, wetlands, and shrublands. “We see bluebirds, waxwings, yellow-rumped warblers, and robins all winter,” says Goeppinger. “And the bur oaks are so spectacular. To see them in winter without their leaves, stretching to the sky is so amazing.”

Come spring, the ephemeral wildflowers get their day in the sun. A walk along the Blue Trail in May is a feast for the eyes, with colorful migratory birds flitting in the trees, and hepatica, shooting star, columbine, wild leek, wild ginger, and prairie trillium blooming below.

Five hundred acres of grassland are protected for breeding birds, and no one can enter that space from May 1 through July 15. But you can see and hear bobolinks everywhere, just by driving slowly along the main road. Eastern meadowlarks are plentiful, giving their five-syllable melancholy song through spring and summer. And if you’re lucky, you’ll even hear the wolf-whistle call of the upland sandpiper as it does its sky dance to attract females.

In July, the prairie is in bloom with coneflower, black-eyed Susan, wild bergamot, compass plant, and other grassland natives. To keep the prairie forbs and grasses growing and the breeding birds happy, land managers perform controlled burns at least once every three years in 13 designated areas.

Waterfowl pause to rest and feed in the wetlands in spring and fall; sandhill cranes roost, up to 500 at one time, in the wetlands at night in early autumn.

Visit the Bong Naturalist Association online or call (262) 878-5600 for more information.

Daytripping

Just a few miles west of the state recreation area off Highway 142 is Aeppel Treow Winery (262) 878-5354, which offers tastes of apple and pear wines and ciders. The fruit to make the beverages comes from the next-door sister operation, Brighton Woods Apple Orchard, (262) 878-3000. The nearest town, about six miles west, is historic Burlington where you can visit antique shops and sample chocolate at the Chocolate Museum, 113 E. Chestnut, (262) 763-6044. The Spinning Top and Yo Yo Museum on Highway 36 gives you a chance to remember your favorite toys and games from childhood. Call (262) 763-3946.

Foraging

Plenty of good eateries are available in Burlington. There’s Fred’s World’s Best Burgers, (262) 763-8370, which is reportedly a must-visit when in town. Up for some ghost stories? Chances, housed in an 1843 historic building, is rumored to have ghosts (262) 534-2772, and the waitresses will tell you all about them. Sheila Mae’s Town Fryer, (262) 763-9940, has been operating for more than 50 years. Cottonpicker Restaurant and lodge, (262) 534-5151, features certified Angus beef and is tucked in a quiet, country setting.

Roaming

In winter, you can spend a whole day at the recreation area cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing. When the snow is gone, get out your hiking shoes and bicycle gear. One of the nicest prairies to see by foot is behind the EF group campsites at the Sunrise Campground. Though closed in winter, in other seasons visitors can walk the one-mile Vista Nature Trail. It’s isolated from the rest of the park and is the least used and most peaceful. For information about all the trails in the park, visit the Bong Naturalist Association online.

Events

Bird hikes are offered year-round at Richard Bong Recreation Area. A Crane Watch is featured in early October.

In November, visitors can attend a short-eared owl program, and in January, visitors go prowling for great horned owls at night. Call the park at (262) 878-5600 for exact dates.

The town of Burlington has lots of events including the Apple Holler Apple Pickin’ and Scarecrow Festival in October. For more information, call (262) 763-6044.

Bedding Down

Bong Recreation Area campsites are open from early March through mid-December. Call (262) 878-5600 to reserve your spot. A very nice bed and breakfast near Burlington is Hillcrest Inn, 540 Storle Avenue, (800) 313-9030. In town, there’s the AmericInn Motel of Burlington, 2709 South Browns Lake Drive, (262) 534-2125.