{"id":36408,"date":"2025-09-15T13:00:49","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T18:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/?p=36408"},"modified":"2026-01-29T14:13:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T20:13:11","slug":"battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/","title":{"rendered":"Battling Buckthorn at Bibon Swamp: Bayfield County&#8217;s Largest Wetland"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; min_height=&#8221;1027px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-1px|auto||auto||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;7px||4px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p><em>\u201cHey buckthorn! What are you doing in my swamp???\u201d \u2013 Shrek (if he lived in Bibon Swamp)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><br \/><em>While it may not be home to the famous green ogre, Bibon Swamp State Natural Area is home to some incredible species, like the northern parula, the palm warbler, and the State Threatened sheathed pondweed plant. NRF is helping to support the battle against invasive buckthorn, which threatens the habitat of these and many other species.<\/em> <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-1-1.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;River running through a dense forest &#8221; title_text=&#8221;Bibon Swamp SNA By Joshua Mayer (1)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||21px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Bibon Swamp State Natural Area. Photo by Joshua Mayer<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Special features of Bibon Swamp State Natural Area<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Designated as a State Natural Area in 1992, Bibon Swamp is the largest wetland in Bayfield County, filling the basin of an extinct glacial lake drained by the White River. Bibon Swamp is also one of the last remaining high-quality natural communities in the region. A variety of ecosystems span its 14,000 acres \u2014 a wet-mesic conifer swamp filled with 150-year-old white cedar, a wet forest dominated by black ash, a northern sedge meadow, and coniferous peatlands. Additionally, 15 miles of the White River flows through Bibon Swamp. It is part of the longest stretch of high-quality trout water in Wisconsin inaccessible by public road. This Class 1 trout stream allows people to fish right from their canoes.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout these quality habitats, the threat of invasive buckthorn lurks. Buckthorn outcompetes native plants, blocking sunlight from reaching other plants below.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-2-1.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Kayaker on the White River running through a dense forest&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Bibon Swamp SNA By Joshua Mayer (2)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||21px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Kayaker on the White River at Bibon Swamp. Photo by Joshua Mayer<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Restoring habitat across Bayfield County<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Thanks to support from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.borealwaters.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Boreal Waters Community Foundation<\/a> (formerly Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation), a crew from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) cleared 25 acres of buckthorn at Bibon Swamp. By cutting and removing buckthorn along the White River, the riverbank habitat will improve and so will angler\u2019s access to it. This is a partnership project between the Spooner Natural Heritage Conservation and Brule Fisheries with the WDNR and Bayfield County Forest.<\/p>\n<p>Removing these buckthorn infestations will promote a resilient high-quality mosaic of habitat, restoring healthy plant communities and habitat for wildlife such as loons, swans, otters, trout, pike, and more. The restoration work done at this site will protect biodiversity for current and future generations, helping these species and the surrounding region be more resilient to a changing climate.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/close-up-of-common-buckthorn-by-Joshua-Mayer.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;close up of common b uckthorn&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Close Up Of Common Buckthorn By Joshua Mayer&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||21px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Close-up of common buckthorn. Photo by Joshua Mayer<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Tribal connection to Bibon Swamp<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Bibon Swamp\u2019s name comes from a derivation of the Anishinaabe word, <em>Biboon<\/em>, meaning \u201cwinter.\u201d This State Natural Area lies within the ceded territory of the Ojibwe people, where they have retained the right to hunt, fish, and gather. Parts of Bibon Swamp are classified as Native Community Management Areas where indigenous flora and fauna are protected to support pre-settlement biological diversity of the native ecosystems.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-3-1.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;grassy landscape at Bibon Swamp State Natural Area&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Bibon Swamp SNA By Joshua Mayer (3)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||21px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Grassy landscape at Bibon Swamp. Photo by Joshua Mayer<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Before colonization, the inland lakes of northern Wisconsin were full of fish, turtles, and otters. Plants bloomed, filling the air with fragrant smells. The calls of bald eagles, trumpeter swans, common loons, and songbirds rang across the sky. Humans hiked, hunted, and paddled through the landscape. That is both the memory and the vision that guides this restoration project at Bibon Swamp State Natural Area.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;6px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Who&#8217;s living in the swamp?<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Bibon Swamp is home to some rare and fascinating plants, such as bunchberry, twinflower, and small bishop\u2019s cap. There are also several orchid species on the ground layer of the wet-mesic conifer swamp. Birds include Nashville, parula, and Canada warblers and winter wrens. Bibon Swamp offers nesting, migratory stopover, and wintering habitat for many species of birds and is considered one of Wisconsin\u2019s <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wisconsinbirds.org\/iba\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Important Bird Areas<\/a>.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/northern-parula-perched-on-a-thin-branch-courtesy-of-Jeff-Galligan-1.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;a northern parula perched on a thin branch&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Northern Parula Perched On A Thin Branch Courtesy Of Jeff Galligan&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||21px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>A northern parula perched on a thin branch. Photo courtesy of Jeff Galligan<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>Palm warbler, yellow-bellied flycatcher, boreal chickadee, and sharp-shinned hawks roam the coniferous peatlands. Shrub swamps are filled with slender willow, red-osier dogwood, and speckled alder. Shrubs include leather-leaf, bog laurel and labrador-tea.<\/p>\n<p>Bibon Swamp also offers a variety of outdoor recreation for visitors, including canoeing and kayaking, birding, primitive camping, and, of course, fishing on the Class 1 trout stream. In recent years, NRF has offered Field Trips to explore the diverse habitats of Bibon Swamp by both foot and boat. Be sure to check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/field-trips\/\">Field Trips program<\/a> for a chance to visit the swamp with us in the future!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=&#8221;Field Trip participant&#8221; portrait_url=&#8221;data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>[The Field Trip at Bibon Swamp] gave me a chance to experience the deep wildness of this environment. [It is] a beautiful, magical, wild place.<\/p>[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Kayakers-on-the-White-River-in-Bibon-Swamp.-Photo-by-Joshua-Mayer-1-1.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Kayakers on the White River at Bibon Swamp State Natural Area&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Kayakers On The White River In Bibon Swamp. Photo By Joshua Mayer (1)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||21px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Kayakers on the White River in Bibon Swamp. Photo by Joshua Mayer<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<h3>Nature&#8217;s flood control<\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p>In 2016, Bayfield County experienced 10 inches of rainfall in one night and Bibon Swamp collected <strong>10 billion gallons of water<\/strong>. Because wetlands can absorb rainwater and slowly drain it, Bibon Swamp protected downstream communities from extreme flooding. Wetlands act as nature\u2019s flood control and will be crucial in protecting communities from a changing climate.<\/p>\n<p>The work done at Bibon Swamp was part of a larger project to restore 30 acres of rare and biodiverse habitat across three State Natural Areas in Bayfield County: Inch Lake, Lake Two Pines, and Bibon Swamp. The three sites lie within 12 miles of each other, creating a natural corridor through the heart of Bayfield County. The Foundation is grateful to the Boreal Waters Community Foundation for supporting this work. We are getting closer to our vision: a future where Wisconsin\u2019s flourishing ecosystems are protected, sustained, and cherished by diverse communities. <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-4-1.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;a sign that reads &#8216;Bibon Creek&#8217; along a creek in Bibon Swamp State Natural Area&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Bibon Swamp SNA By Joshua Mayer (4)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||21px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>A sign at Bibon Swamp that reads &#8216;Bibon Creek.&#8217; Photo by Joshua Mayer<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;5px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#2C3425&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;23px&#8221; min_height=&#8221;45px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<p><em>Written by Emma Schatz, Digital Communications Coordinator<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_post_slider posts_number=&#8221;3&#8243; include_categories=&#8221;36,15&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_post_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bibon Swamp State Natural Area&#8217;s high-quality habitat is threatened by invasive buckthorn, so we&#8217;re joining the battle to remove it.<\/p>\n <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/\"rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":36432,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"0px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.16\" min_height=\"1027px\" custom_margin=\"-1px|auto||auto||\" custom_padding=\"7px||4px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\n<em>NRF funds projects that have a significant and positive impact on Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife, and that connect people to Wisconsin\u2019s natural wonders. Through our grants for conservation, we supported hundreds of projects in 2024.\u00a0<strong>Thank you to our members, conservation partners, and other supporters for making this possible!<\/strong><\/em>\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/aeriel-shot-of-waubesa-wetlands-by-Ben-Albert-2.jpg\" alt=\"Aeriel Shot Of Waubesa Wetlands By Ben Albert, a 2024 conservation highlight\" title_text=\"Aeriel Shot Of Waubesa Wetlands By Ben Albert (2)\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_margin=\"||21px|||\" custom_padding=\"||0px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Waubesa Wetlands State Natural Area is one of the highest quality and most diverse wetlands in Wisconsin. As one of NRF\u2019s priority conservation sites, we supported the restoration and management of this site in 2024. We were also proud to support the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/waubesa-wetlands-film\/\">production of a documentary short film<\/a> highlighting the wonders of this hidden wetland. Photo by Ben Albert<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"6px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<h3>Connecting People, Protecting Nature: NRF\u2019s 2024 Conservation Highlights<\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nIn 2024, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin granted <strong>$1,000,676<\/strong> to support <strong>228<\/strong> conservation and environmental education projects to <strong>133 unique organizations<\/strong> across the state. NRF\u2019s three primary impact areas are lands and waters conservation, wildlife conservation, and environmental education. We also support projects that build climate resiliency for Wisconsin\u2019s natural resources. Simultaneously, we support projects that help make the field of conservation and access to the outdoors more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=\"off\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"6px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<h3><strong>2024 Grants for Conservation StoryMap<\/strong><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nOur 2024 Grants for Conservation StoryMap shows all the grants made throughout the year. The different colored pins represent our three impact areas. Lands and waters conservation projects are green, wildlife conservation projects are yellow, and environmental education projects are blue. Zoom in on different counties for a full view of projects supported in the area and click on pins to learn more about individual projects.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]\n\n<style>.embed-container {position: relative; padding-bottom: 80%; height: 0; max-width: 100%;} .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container iframe{position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;} small{position: absolute; z-index: 40; bottom: 0; margin-bottom: -15px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe title=\"NRF's 2024 Conservation Grants StoryMap\" src=\"\/\/wisconservation.maps.arcgis.com\/apps\/Embed\/index.html?webmap=017b3a7f4cc94c5f84f2194e2ad5f9b7&amp;extent=-95.6791,42.1754,-83.9786,46.396&amp;zoom=true&amp;previewImage=false&amp;scale=true&amp;disable_scroll=true&amp;theme=light\" width=\"500\" height=\"400\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_button button_url=\"https:\/\/storymaps.arcgis.com\/stories\/dec66239cbcd4e97b7b153d519ac8648\" url_new_window=\"on\" button_text=\"EXPLORE THE GRANTS MAP\" button_alignment=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_divider show_divider=\"off\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_divider show_divider=\"off\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"6px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<h3>Grant Highlight: Rocks Above, Rocks Below: Merrimac Community School<\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Students-from-Merrimac-Community-School-while-hiking-Flint-Rock-Trail-at-Blue-Mounds-State-Park-to-observe-rock-formations-and-nature-highlights.-Photo-by-Jenna-McCann-1.jpg\" alt=\"Students while hiking Flint Rock Trail at Blue Mounds State Park to observe rock formations and nature highlights, a 2024 conservation highlight\" title_text=\"Students From Merrimac Community School While Hiking Flint Rock Trail At Blue Mounds State Park To Observe Rock Formations And Nature Highlights. Photo By Jenna McCann (1)\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"||13px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Students while hiking Flint Rock Trail at Blue Mounds State Park to observe rock formations and nature highlights. Photo by Jenna McCann<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nIn 2024, NRF helped provide transportation for over 100 students from Merrimac Community School to visit Blue Mounds State Park and Cave of the Mounds. Thanks to our supporters, we were able to support this through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/grants\/teachers-outdoor-environmental-education-fund\/\">Teachers\u2019 Outdoor Environmental Education Fund<\/a>. The fund\u2019s goal is to ensure all Wisconsin students have access to meaningful outdoor education.\n\nStudents from Merrimac Community School hiked the Flint Rock Trail at Blue Mounds State Park, checking out the rocks, plants, and animals. Many students expressed an interest in returning to the trail in the spring to see the differences. Then, the students went to Cave of the Mounds and learned about the underground geology of the area. Throughout the tour of the cave, students learned about the forces that shaped the cave and how the formations continue to change.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-2025-01-15T142042.688.jpg\" alt=\"Students on a tour of Cave of the Mounds learn about underground rock formations, a 2024 conservation highlight\" title_text=\"Blog Post Photo Dimensions 43 2025 01 15T142042.688\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"||13px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Students on a tour of Cave of the Mounds learn about underground rock formations. Photo by Jenna McCann<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"6px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<h3>From the Classroom to the Cave<\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nDuring their Earth Science unit in school, the students had learned about Wisconsin geology and the rocks in their backyards. While hiking the Flint Rock Trail at Blue Mounds State Park, classroom learning was brought to life as the students discovered limestone, dolomite, and chert rocks. During the tour of Cave of the Mounds, students saw cave formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. They also learned about the history of the cave.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=\"Jenna McCann\" job_title=\"Teacher\" portrait_url=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\n<em>In class, students had watched water move in a groundwater model. In the cave, students saw and felt the water drops and made connections far stronger than the classroom alone.<\/em>\n\n[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nThis field trip gave the students a hands-on, eyes-on, and brains-on experience that directly related to what they were learning in the classroom. Afterwards, students had a better understanding of Wisconsin\u2019s rich geological history, better use of earth science vocabulary, and could visually identify rocks and formations. Back in the classroom, students created models of caves. Using accurate terminology, they also labeled features of the model caves that they saw firsthand during the field trip.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-2025-01-15T142324.019.jpg\" alt=\"Students on the cave tour connecting what they learned in the classroom to the real world, a 2024 conservation highlight\" title_text=\"Blog Post Photo Dimensions 43 2025 01 15T142324.019\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"||13px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Students on the cave tour connecting what they learned in the classroom to the real world. Photo by Jenna McCann<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n<h3>More Featured Grants<\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_accordion_item title=\"The Prairie Enthusiasts - Building Bridges to Nature in Iowa County\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" open=\"on\"]\n\nThe Prairie Enthusiasts received a grant from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/grants\/cd-besadny-conservation-grants\/\">C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund<\/a> to support the repair of a bridge connecting the two parts of the <a href=\"https:\/\/theprairieenthusiasts.org\/project\/sylvan-road-conservation-area\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sylvan Road Conservation Area<\/a>, ensuring safe access for visitors. This area is a rare, high quality wetland\/stream habitat and is home to over 340 native plant species.\n\nWe recently announced our 2024 C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund grant recipients! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/grants\/cd-besadny-conservation-grants\/\">Check out the full list of projects funded.<\/a>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_33966\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<img class=\"wp-image-33966 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/54155642650_1f3bb2316e_o-1-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"NRF board members standing with staff from The Prairie Enthusiasts on a newly built bridge above a stream, holding a ribbon and a check. \" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" \/> Photo by Janet Moredock[\/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=\"Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance \u2013 Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" open=\"off\"]<\/p>\nWe supported the purchase of stickers and other marketing materials for the <a href=\"https:\/\/wimonarchs.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative<\/a> to be used as outreach materials at events. The goal? Inspiring people in Wisconsin to take action to help save the monarch butterfly. NRF is proud to have supported the founding of the collaborative, which is a network of over 50 organizations and agencies working together to increase monarch butterfly habitat throughout Wisconsin.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_33969\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<img class=\"wp-image-33969 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/54119613958_b59a160c68_o-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Partners of the WMC at the 2024 Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative Summit.\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" \/> Photo by Emma Schatz[\/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=\"Zablocki Elementary Nature Experience in Milwaukee County\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" open=\"off\"]<\/p>\nThrough the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/grants\/go-outside-fund\/\">Go Outside Fund<\/a>, we supported a field trip for 24 students from Zablocki Elementary School to visit the Blue Lotus Farm &amp; Retreat Center. The students spent the day exploring the forests, meadows and wetlands \u2013 learning while engaging with the natural environment in a fun and active way. For many of the students, this was their first time visiting a nature center!\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_33972\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"264\"]<img class=\"wp-image-33972 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/54215570134_4bbf87e4b7_o-1-264x300.jpg\" alt=\"Students playing on a swing under a tree.\" width=\"264\" height=\"300\" \/> Photo by Ludys Ebratt[\/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=\"Kirtland\u2019s Warbler Conservation in Adams County\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" open=\"off\"]<\/p>\nThanks to a grant from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/grants\/bird-protection-fund\/\">Bird Protection Fund<\/a>, the Wisconsin DNR\u2019s Natural Heritage Conservation team continued population recovery and conservation of the state endangered Kirtland\u2019s warbler, specifically through nest monitoring. Our state is a critical area for the expansion of the population beyond its core breeding range in Michigan.\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/grants\/bird-protection-fund\/\">Check out the full list of projects<\/a> supported by the 2024 Bird Protection Fund. In April, join us for this year\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/great-wisconsin-birdathon\/\">Great Wisconsin Birdathon<\/a> to raise funds for the Bird Protection Fund!\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_33971\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"225\"]<img class=\"wp-image-33971 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/54216305327_23dcb732f5_o-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Banding a male Kirtland's warbler.\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/> Photo by Maia Persche[\/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=\"Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area management in Florence County\" open=\"off\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p>\nThrough the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/cherish\/\">Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund<\/a>, we supported the removal of invasive species at Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area. This will help restore open areas and clear the way for prescribed burning, improving habitat for both rare species and wild game. Spread Eagle Barrens is home to globally important bracken grasslands and pine barrens habitats.\n\nSince 2007, NRF has supported the restoration of 8,000 acres of globally rare pine barrens at Spread Eagle Barrens. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/spread-eagle-barrens\/\">Read more on our blog.<\/a>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_33970\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]<img class=\"wp-image-33970 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/52139143915_293a9f3e73_o-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Landscape of grasses and trees at Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/> Photo by Caitlin Williamson[\/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"0px||9px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.16\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p>\n\n<h3><strong>Thank you<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"1px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p>\nNRF's grantmaking is made possible through the support of our donors, supporters, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/membership\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">members<\/a>. We are grateful to everyone who supports our work to conserve Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife and connect generations to nature. Last but not least, thank you to our grant recipients for the important work that you do for Wisconsin!\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/membership\/\" button_text=\"BECOME A MEMBER\" button_alignment=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"5px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_text_color=\"#2C3425\" text_font_size=\"23px\" min_height=\"45px\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\u00a0 <em>Written by Emma Schatz, Digital Communications Coordinator<\/em>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_post_slider posts_number=\"3\" include_categories=\"36,15\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_post_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[841,697,694,1,16],"tags":[636,41,44,791,850,334,848,781,732,157,877,87,849,103,34],"class_list":["post-36408","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-climate-resilience","category-giving","category-grants","category-lands-waters","category-wildlife","tag-climate-adaptation","tag-climate-change","tag-conservation","tag-grantmaking","tag-habitat-restoration","tag-invasive-species","tag-landscape-conservation","tag-migratory-birds","tag-outdoor-recreation","tag-state-natural-area","tag-wetland","tag-wildlife","tag-wildlife-conservation","tag-wisconservation","tag-wisconsin-department-of-natural-resources"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Battling Buckthorn at Bibon Swamp: Bayfield County&#039;s Largest Wetland<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Bibon Swamp State Natural Area&#039;s high-quality habitat is threatened by invasive buckthorn, so we&#039;re joining the battle to remove it.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Battling Buckthorn at Bibon Swamp: Bayfield County&#039;s Largest Wetland\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Bibon Swamp State Natural Area&#039;s high-quality habitat is threatened by invasive buckthorn, so we&#039;re joining the battle to remove it.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-09-15T18:00:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-29T20:13:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-1-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"886\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"591\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Emma Schatz\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Battling Buckthorn at Bibon Swamp: Bayfield County&#039;s Largest Wetland\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Bibon Swamp State Natural Area&#039;s high-quality habitat is threatened by invasive buckthorn, so we&#039;re joining the battle to remove it.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-1-1.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Emma Schatz\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Emma Schatz\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9c9e1ba44274f3ca331cc9a213b4bb6f\"},\"headline\":\"Battling Buckthorn at Bibon Swamp: Bayfield County&#8217;s Largest Wetland\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-15T18:00:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-29T20:13:11+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1794,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-1-1.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1\",\"keywords\":[\"climate adaptation\",\"climate change\",\"conservation\",\"grantmaking\",\"habitat restoration\",\"invasive species\",\"landscape conservation\",\"migratory birds\",\"outdoor recreation\",\"state natural area\",\"wetland\",\"wildlife\",\"wildlife conservation\",\"wisconservation\",\"Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Climate Resilience\",\"Giving\",\"Grants\",\"Lands &amp; Waters\",\"Wildlife\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"copyrightYear\":\"2025\",\"copyrightHolder\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#organization\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\\\/\",\"name\":\"Battling Buckthorn at Bibon Swamp: Bayfield County's Largest Wetland\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-1-1.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-15T18:00:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-29T20:13:11+00:00\",\"description\":\"Bibon Swamp State Natural Area's high-quality habitat is threatened by invasive buckthorn, so we're joining the battle to remove it.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-1-1.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-1-1.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1\",\"width\":886,\"height\":591,\"caption\":\"Photo by Joshua Mayer\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Battling Buckthorn at Bibon Swamp: Bayfield County&#8217;s Largest Wetland\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/\",\"name\":\"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin\",\"description\":\"Sustainable funding for Wisconsin\u2019s most imperiled species and public lands\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"Organization\",\"Place\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\\\/#local-main-organization-logo\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\\\/#local-main-organization-logo\"},\"telephone\":[],\"openingHoursSpecification\":[{\"@type\":\"OpeningHoursSpecification\",\"dayOfWeek\":[\"Sunday\",\"Monday\",\"Tuesday\",\"Wednesday\",\"Thursday\",\"Friday\",\"Saturday\"],\"opens\":\"09:00\",\"closes\":\"17:00\"}]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9c9e1ba44274f3ca331cc9a213b4bb6f\",\"name\":\"Emma Schatz\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/6605fca5c7fc6afe47c2b30bb89f6f06ef0521cc074bb54da4ef7fc4c861cb47?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/6605fca5c7fc6afe47c2b30bb89f6f06ef0521cc074bb54da4ef7fc4c861cb47?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/6605fca5c7fc6afe47c2b30bb89f6f06ef0521cc074bb54da4ef7fc4c861cb47?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Emma Schatz\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/author\\\/emma-schatzwisconservation-org\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\\\/#local-main-organization-logo\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/natural-resources-foundation-wisconsin-circle-mark.png?fit=264%2C264&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.wisconservation.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/natural-resources-foundation-wisconsin-circle-mark.png?fit=264%2C264&ssl=1\",\"width\":264,\"height\":264,\"caption\":\"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Battling Buckthorn at Bibon Swamp: Bayfield County's Largest Wetland","description":"Bibon Swamp State Natural Area's high-quality habitat is threatened by invasive buckthorn, so we're joining the battle to remove it.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Battling Buckthorn at Bibon Swamp: Bayfield County's Largest Wetland","og_description":"Bibon Swamp State Natural Area's high-quality habitat is threatened by invasive buckthorn, so we're joining the battle to remove it.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/","og_site_name":"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin","article_published_time":"2025-09-15T18:00:49+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-01-29T20:13:11+00:00","og_image":[{"width":886,"height":591,"url":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-1-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Emma Schatz","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"Battling Buckthorn at Bibon Swamp: Bayfield County's Largest Wetland","twitter_description":"Bibon Swamp State Natural Area's high-quality habitat is threatened by invasive buckthorn, so we're joining the battle to remove it.","twitter_image":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-1-1.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Emma Schatz","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/"},"author":{"name":"Emma Schatz","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#\/schema\/person\/9c9e1ba44274f3ca331cc9a213b4bb6f"},"headline":"Battling Buckthorn at Bibon Swamp: Bayfield County&#8217;s Largest Wetland","datePublished":"2025-09-15T18:00:49+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-29T20:13:11+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/"},"wordCount":1794,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-1-1.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1","keywords":["climate adaptation","climate change","conservation","grantmaking","habitat restoration","invasive species","landscape conservation","migratory birds","outdoor recreation","state natural area","wetland","wildlife","wildlife conservation","wisconservation","Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources"],"articleSection":["Climate Resilience","Giving","Grants","Lands &amp; Waters","Wildlife"],"inLanguage":"en-US","copyrightYear":"2025","copyrightHolder":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#organization"}},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/","url":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/","name":"Battling Buckthorn at Bibon Swamp: Bayfield County's Largest Wetland","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-1-1.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1","datePublished":"2025-09-15T18:00:49+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-29T20:13:11+00:00","description":"Bibon Swamp State Natural Area's high-quality habitat is threatened by invasive buckthorn, so we're joining the battle to remove it.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-1-1.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-1-1.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1","width":886,"height":591,"caption":"Photo by Joshua Mayer"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Battling Buckthorn at Bibon Swamp: Bayfield County&#8217;s Largest Wetland"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/","name":"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin","description":"Sustainable funding for Wisconsin\u2019s most imperiled species and public lands","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":["Organization","Place"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#organization","name":"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin","url":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/","logo":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/#local-main-organization-logo"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/#local-main-organization-logo"},"telephone":[],"openingHoursSpecification":[{"@type":"OpeningHoursSpecification","dayOfWeek":["Sunday","Monday","Tuesday","Wednesday","Thursday","Friday","Saturday"],"opens":"09:00","closes":"17:00"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/#\/schema\/person\/9c9e1ba44274f3ca331cc9a213b4bb6f","name":"Emma Schatz","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6605fca5c7fc6afe47c2b30bb89f6f06ef0521cc074bb54da4ef7fc4c861cb47?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6605fca5c7fc6afe47c2b30bb89f6f06ef0521cc074bb54da4ef7fc4c861cb47?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6605fca5c7fc6afe47c2b30bb89f6f06ef0521cc074bb54da4ef7fc4c861cb47?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Emma Schatz"},"url":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/author\/emma-schatzwisconservation-org\/"},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/battling-buckthorn-at-bibon-swamp-bayfield-countys-largest-wetland\/#local-main-organization-logo","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/natural-resources-foundation-wisconsin-circle-mark.png?fit=264%2C264&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/natural-resources-foundation-wisconsin-circle-mark.png?fit=264%2C264&ssl=1","width":264,"height":264,"caption":"Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin"}]}},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bibon-Swamp-SNA-by-Joshua-Mayer-1-1.jpg?fit=886%2C591&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4x70T-9te","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36408","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36408"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36408\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36455,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36408\/revisions\/36455"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36432"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36408"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36408"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36408"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}