Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area

03/31/2026

Sharp-tailed Grouse Viewing Blinds Open April 1!

Wisconsin DNR and the Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area (FNBWA) are pleased to provide this opportunity for people to watch the spring dance of the Sharp-tailed Grouse. Nancy Christel, DNR Wildlife Biologist, provides this advice ahead of heading to the Barrens for your reserved viewing time: Viewing blinds open to the public on April 1 – Check the website for important information before heading out!...

Wisconsin DNR and the Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area (FNBWA) are pleased to provide this opportunity for people to watch the spring dance of the Sharp-tailed Grouse. Nancy Christel,…

02/10/2026

We are well into the new year, with the worst of winter behind us, so we can begin thinking about putting Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area events and field trips on our calendars. Don't miss the annual Blueberries on the Barrens picnic July 18th with the usual blueberry picking, presentations, silent auction, door prizes, and of course good food and refreshments!

02/03/2026

Wisconsin DNR Researchers ask for Bear Den Location Information

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks the public to report any black bear den locations across the state to help with an ongoing study that will improve the accuracy of population estimates and inform management decisions. Caution is advised in approaching a potential den site: Remember: Do not disturb the den's residents. If you believe you have found a black bear den, stay at least 30 yards from it at all times....

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks the public to report any black bear den locations across the state to help with an ongoing study that will improve the accuracy of populatio…

01/08/2026

Do You Know About the Changes for Viewing Blinds in 2026?

The reservation system for Sharp-tailed Grouse viewing blinds will be opened on our website on January 10. Here's some information to keep in mind when making a reservation: From the Wisconsin DNR Wildlife Management: Viewing blind locations may be different than previous years. Blind locations may change: View the updated Directions to Blinds here on or after March 31st. Leks are dynamic and expanding with the growing population....

The reservation system for Sharp-tailed Grouse viewing blinds will be opened on our website on January 10. Here’s some information to keep in mind when making a reservation: From the Wisconsi…

07/26/2025

Our annual 'Blueberries on the Barrens' picnic, held along with the Wisconsin Sharp-tailed Grouse Society was again a great success.
While the blueberry picking was not the best this year, the weather cooperated, and the event was enjoyed by all.
Kyle Johnson, MN Biological Survey and WI Entomological Society president, gave an fascinating presentation on barrens butterflies and moths, and Bob Hanson, WIDNR Northwest Sands Wildlife Biologist gave an update on pine barrens management and Sharp-tailed Grouse. Updates were also given on the Bluebird box production on the Barrens and the Northwest Sands Auto Tour.
The 90+ attendees also enjoyed great food, beverages, silent auctions, and drawings for the many door prizes donated for the event. Looking forward to another big blueberry gathering in 2026.

07/11/2025

Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area and the Wisconsin Sharp-tailed Grouse Society are hosting their 10th Annual “Blueberries on the Barrens” picnic for members, neighbors, and the public. The event includes presentations starting at 10:30 a.m.; a silent auction; displays; door prizes; and a free-will donation lunch of brats, burgers, and beverages at noon. Anyone interested in picking wild blueberries can pick up a map to potential hot spots starting at 8:30 a.m....

Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area and the Wisconsin Sharp-tailed Grouse Society are hosting their 10th Annual “Blueberries on the Barrens” picnic for members, neighbors, and the public…

05/04/2025

Our spring Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Newsletter was sent out via email today to our full mailing list. It has our 2025 program schedule and great photos and articles. If you didn’t receive a copy, please check your SPAM folder for an email from Kathy Bartilson at [email protected]. If you aren’t on our mailing list and would like to be added, just email Kathy or use the…...

Our spring Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Newsletter was sent out via email today to our full mailing list. It has our 2025 program schedule and great photos and articles. If you didn’t receive a…

05/02/2025

It's what we call "Opening Day", and we clean the cabin and pick litter off the roads. Meet at the Cabin at 9 AM. Directions

It’s what we call “Opening Day”, and we clean the cabin and pick litter off the roads. Meet at the Cabin at 9 AM. Directions

04/15/2025

This one is near Gordon, WI. Reserved blinds on the Namekagon Barrens will open up in the coming weeks when the WI DNR decides they are not needed for research. You can find openings by going to the FNBWA reservations Web site and using the Available button. As of 9AM on 4/15 the following slots are open: Reserving a blind near Gordon can be done at: …...

This one is near Gordon, WI. Reserved blinds on the Namekagon Barrens will open up in the coming weeks when the WI DNR decides they are not needed for research. You can find openings by going to th…

04/04/2025

Another interesting picture from the Wisconsin SnapShot camera. This picture of bucks sparring was taken the second week of January. Note the absence of snow. Another mild winter overall. Most wildlife should have low winter mortality rates for the second year in a row. Deer were common captures on the camera throughout the winter, compared to almost no captures two years ago during the severe, snowy winter. I personally observed an eight point buck still carrying his antlers on April 2nd. It's spring, time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors...

04/04/2025

Here it is- the FNBWA 2025 schedule of field trips and events.
There are many opportunities to learn about the flora and fauna of the rare and globally significant pine-oak barrens and the Northwest Sands Ecological Region of northwest Wisconsin.
Please join us!