Lunch Creek Wetlands State Natural Area

Lunch Creek Wetlands contains one of the most diverse and species rich sedge meadows in Wisconsin. It is situated within a mainly undisturbed watershed, an uncommon occurrence in Wisconsin. This large wetland complex is dominated by fen and sedge meadow communities containing 115 plant species, and remains free of exotic species. Many uncommon species are present including fringed gentian, Kalm’s lobelia, grass-of-parnassus, and the rare wax-leaf meadow rue.

Wetland aerial photographs show patterning – a rare phenomenon seen only at two other natural areas in Wisconsin – Cedarburg Bog and Bogus Swamp. The patterning is evident on the ground where high and low areas often show dramatic differences in plant species presence with wire grass sedges found in lower “impoundment” areas and a forb dominated sedge meadow directly adjacent to it. A fen-like meadow emanates from the uplands and upland islands surrounding the lower areas. Much of the meadow is dominated by wiregrass and blue-joint grass with other species including marsh milkweed, spring-cress, marsh thistle, boneset, swamp loosestrife, swamp lousewort, prairie blazing-star, and mountain mint.

The area also provides ideal habitat for grassland and wetland birds such as the northern harrier, a species of special concern in Wisconsin. Over 5,000 sandhill cranes roost here in October and early November.

Lunch Creek Wetlands is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2000.

Source: WNDR