Turtle Valley Wildlife Area
Turtle Valley Wildlife Area is located in western Walworth County, northwest of the city of Elkhorn. County Highways P and O split the property into three areas. The property is approximately 2,300 acres with two small tracts of land on Turtle Lake and one large tract south of Turtle Lake.
Turtle Valley Wildlife Area consists of mostly shallow marsh and wet meadows with tall grass prairie on the surrounding uplands. Cattails dominate the marshes and a few small woodlots exist on the property.
The wildlife area was created in 2000. Prior to the restoration of the wetlands, the muck soils were farmed for mint. Through the cooperation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, wetlands were restored using a series of berms, breaking drainage tile and plugging ditches. Nine flowages were created through the restoration process, and the prairie was planted in the uplands.
In 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation transferred ownership of an additional 420 acres of restored wetlands to DNR ownership and management along the banks of Turtle Creek. This new area makes up the (new) western part of Turtle Valley Wildlife Area.
Management Objectives
Prescribed fire and drawdowns are the primary means of habitat management on the property. Fire keeps woody species at bay and keeps the habitat open for waterfowl and grassland birds, while drawdowns keep the wetlands dynamic and cycle nutrients for plant establishment and wildlife use. Berms are mowed at least twice annually and patching holes with heavy equipment happens most years as routine maintenance.
For more information on master planning for this and other wildlife areas around the state, visit the property planning page.
Recreation
The Turtle Valley Wildlife Area offers many recreational opportunities:
- Birding
- Canoeing
- Cross-country skiing (no designated trail)
- Fishing
- Hiking (no designated trail)
- Hunting (especially noted for waterfowl)
- Trapping
- Snowmobiling trail
- Wild edibles/gathering
- Wildlife viewing
Note: There is an area closed to public access year-round surrounding the buildings used by DNR staff off Highway O. Adjacent to this closed area is a waterfowl refuge that is seasonally closed to allow migrating waterfowl a rest area.
Amenities
- Bathroom - none.
- Parking lot - yes.
- Campground and size - none
- Trails, Types and Lengths - none.
Maps
Download [PDF] a map of this property.
If you are interested in exploring this property further, you can access an interactive map.
