Wetland Coffee Break: Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge: An urban gem, 14 years old and growing

The Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge is located in Walworth County, Wisconsin, and McHenry County, IL. It is designated as an urban wildlife refuge serving nearly 12 million people who live within an hour and half drive of the refuge. The work of many land partners resulted in the realization of a new acquisition of 985 acres known as Tamarack Farms in 2024. Tamarack Farms is the largest conservation acquisition in the Chicago region since the creation of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in 1996. This strategic purchase connects previous holdings into a large riparian corridor along Nippersink Creek. Vince Mosca, Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge board member, will discuss the specifics of the purchase and the overall value of Hackmatack for biodiversity, water quality protection, and climate change resiliency.

Vince Mosca, Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge board member