Friends of Hackmatack

The Hackmatack NWR was officially established when the first parcel of land
was protected on November 6, 2012.

Tips on How to Visit the Hackmatack Area:  CLICK HERE
 
Sedge Meadow
Sedge Meadow at Hackmatack NWR
Contained within the 12-acre easement that is the first piece of land protected as Hackmatack NWR is an unplowed sedge meadow, a unique wetland community occupying the broad floodplain of Slough Creek. Dominated by tussock forming plants called sedges and supporting colorful wildflowers such as Spotted Joe Pyeweed and Boneset, this parcel is a living history book, illustrating what the new Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge may have looked like on the eve of settlement 180 years ago. It is home to rare plants, butterflies and wetland songbirds.
Read the January 11, 2013 USFWS press release on the establishment of the refuge HERE.
 
For a map showing the location of this first easement, click HERE
 
Timeline of Hackmatack Refuge
Approval and Establishment
• Fall 2004  A small group of dreamers begins pursuit of a national wildlife refuge.
• November 5, 2009  The proposed refuge is one of 21 Green Legacy Projects identified by the Burnham Plan Centennial Committee and Openlands.
• April 5, 2010  US Fish & Wildlife Service launches a study of an urban bistate refuge in a 55-square mile area centered on the Illinois-Wisconsin stateline.
• October 31, 2011  The proposed refuge is highlighted as one of Illinois’ two America’s Great Outdoors projects.
• July 10, 2012  US Fish & Wildlife Service authorizes the establishment of Hackmatack NWR in McHenry County, Illinois and Walworth County Wisconsin.
• August 15, 2012  Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar publicly announces the authorization of the refuge at an event at Glacial Park in McHenry County, Illinois.
• October 9, 2012  Openlands purchases 72-acre parcel within the southwest core area of the Hackmatack refuge boundary.
• October 18, 2012  Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge Partnership receives Department of Interior Partners In Conservation Award at an award ceremony in Washington DC.
• McHenry County Conservation Foundation, Friends of Hackmatack and Openlands provide funds to pay for a conservation easement on a
12-acre wetland area of the 72-acre parcel.
• October 11, 2012  McHenry County Conservation District completes an agreement with Illinois DNR and USFWS to conduct restoration and stewardship of the site.
• November 6, 2012  USFWS accepts the conservation easement on 12 acres conveyed by Openlands. Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge is established!
• December 12, 2012  IDNR buys the 72 acre parcel from Openlands.
• January 11, 2013  Secretary Salazar lays Hackmatack NWR plank at boardwalk at the nation's first National Wildlife Refuge at Pelican Island in Florida.