Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Cedar Grove Hawk Research Station (No. 8)

Overview

Location

Sheboygan County. T13N-R23E, Section 30. 31 acres.

Access

The primary use of the research station – bird banding, trapping, and research – requires as little disturbance from people as possible. Permission for access is needed to avoid conflicts. Please contact the State Natural Areas Program for more information. This area is a year-round game refuge (Ch. NR 15) and no recreational hunting or trapping is allowed.

Description

Description

Cedar Grove Hawk Research Station is located on a 1,000-foot-wide beach of former glacial Lake Algonquin and is intermediate in elevation between the cultivated uplands to the west and Lake Michigan to the east. It has long been known as a site to view spectacular raptor migrations and has been used as a trapping and banding station for more than 60 years, primarily during the fall. Today, it is one of the major banding and observation areas for long-term raptor research. In the 1940's, the Milwaukee Public Museum banded hawks here. In 1950 Helmut Mueller and Dan Berger began trapping and banding raptors and passerines and they continue their research today. The station has the longest sustained record of activity in North America for trapping and banding migratory raptors and more than 38,000 birds of prey of 24 species have been live-trapped, banded, measured, and released. The following birds were first spotted or banded in Wisconsin at the station: gyrfalcon, Mississippi kite, gray vireo, anhinga, and Harris's hawk. Cedar Grove Hawk Research Station is owned by the DNR and is maintained by the Cedar Grove Ornithological Research Station. It was designated a State Natural Area in 1952.

Maps

The WDNR's State Natural Areas Program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions, and private individuals. Therefore, while the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary accordingly. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities. Users are encouraged to contact the land owner for more specific details.

The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries.

• Line Map [PDF, 32 KB]

Management

Site Objectives

Manage the site as a hawk and migratory bird banding station, and a migratory bird research site. Native vegetation is managed to permit access for researchers and flight paths for raptors. Provide opportunities for research and education on migratory birds and important stopover sites.

Management Approach

In the surrounding forest, the native dominant tree species (primarily maples and cedars) are managed passively. Other allowable activities include maintenance of nets, placing lures to attract migrants, and vehicle access to supply the station.

Site-Specific Considerations

• The banding station is maintained to accommodate the needs of the bird researchers.
• Access is limited during fall (August through November) to research and educational groups with permission of the banding staff.
• Roadside and utility easement areas may be managed sporadically by township and electric power company.
• This area is a year-round game refuge (Admin Code Chapter NR 15) and no hunting or trapping is allowed.

Activities

Please come prepared for your visit. Amenities vary from site to site with most SNAs being primitive and without facilities. See Guidelines for Visitation for details.

Allowable Activities

Most DNR-owned SNAs allow:

• Hiking
• Hunting
• Fishing
• Trapping
• Skiing

Some exceptions apply. Properties closed to the public or closed to specific use, such as hunting, will be posted.

***For non-DNR-owned SNAs: Additional use guidelines may apply. Please verify any use restrictions with the landowner or contact the SNA Program. Landowners may require additional permits or restrict the number of hunters at a given SNA to provide a quality hunting experience. SNA landowners can be found at the bottom of each SNA description page.

Prohibited Activities

• Horseback riding
• Rock climbing
• Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and snowmobiles except on trails and roadways designated for their use
• Collecting of plants (including fruits, nuts, or edible plant parts), animals, fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood, or any other natural material, alive or dead

Please note that a permit is required for scientific collection and research on State Natural Areas. For more information, contact Thomas Meyer, State Natural Areas Program Specialist.

For more information on rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Wisconsin's Administrative Code Chapter NR 45 (exit DNR)