Namekagon Barrens

Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the rare pine and oak barrens habitat of northwestern Wisconsin. The group supports the State of Wisconsin-owned Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area, a 6,428-acre landscape managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This distinctive ecosystem is part of the Northwest Sands and provides habitat for a wide variety of plants and wildlife, including sharp-tailed grouse.

Friends advances conservation by supporting DNR plans, raising funds for land expansion, contributing to habitat management, and engaging with local and state decision-makers. It also promotes education and public involvement through school field trips, nature walks, birding outings, guided hikes, and fall bird-dog field trials. Visitors can explore the wildlife area’s two units, use viewing blinds to observe spring grouse displays, and learn about local ecology and history through self-guided tours, maps, and interpretive resources. The organization shares information about plants, birds, butterflies, prescribed fire, and the area’s historical sites.