Location: Oconto County

Area Protected: 148 Acres

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The purchase of this property furthers our goals of preserving Green Bay West Shore wetlands, protecting wildlife habitat and impacting water quality. This property is situated uniquely within the City of Oconto’s limits between the high school and the DNR’s Green Bay West Shore Wildlife Area – Oconto Marsh Unit which connects to the Bay of Green Bay. Oconto’s elected officials and NEWLT are excited about promoting local land conservation and providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and education. The preserve will be open to the public to hunt, fish, hike, bird watch, cross-country ski and research the natural environment. NEWLT intends to promote recreation, education and increased connectivity by creating trails and working with the community and school groups. 

 

The majority of the property is a DNR designated wetland. The eastern portion of the property has been identified as a high priority wetland by the Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and by The Nature Conservancy’s Coastal Wetland and Tributary Decision Support Tool.  The wetlands present are rated high or exceptional for water quality, flood abatement, carbon storage and wildlife habitat. There is one large pond and a smaller ephemeral pond.

 

Two DNR “Legacy Places” apply to the property, The West Shore Green Bay Wetlands and The Oconto River Marsh. Also identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the DNR, the Green Bay West Shore Wetlands IBA has long been recognized as an important area for migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and neo-tropical migrants, foraging shorebirds, and breeding rare birds. The DNR’s 928 acre Green Bay West Shore Wildlife Area – Oconto Marsh Unit borders the east side of the property.

 

We hope you will visit this property and enjoy walking around to view the different habitat types. Bring your boots if you're feeling adventurous for a wetland hike on the eastern portion of the preserve.