From the junction of SH 38 and SH 11 drive 2 miles north and 1 mile west on paved roads, then turn south on an unpaved county road between hatchery ponds. Look for ducks, shorebirds, and waders in and around the ponds. Listen for Marsh Wrens in spring if there are cattails around the edges. Both Marbled and Hudsonian godwits have been seen in the spring as well as Cinnamon Teal.

Byron Hatchery Watchable Wildlife Area (WWA) and showcases three different habitats in a 40-acre area. The area includes a 1/2-mile self-guided trail through a cat-tail marsh, forested swamp and restored mid-grass prairie. The trail contains informational signs, observation blinds and piers to get visitors closer to wildlife. Other features designed to attract wildlife include bat houses, chimney swift tower, a barn owl nest house and a bluebird trail.

Located adjacent to a state fish hatchery that provides sportsfish such as saugeye, walleye, striped bass hybrids and smallmouth bass for statewide stocking, Byron WWA has an ever-changing variety of wildlife and blooming plants. Schools and citizens are encouraged to visit both sites to see what’s new. The WWA is open for self-guided tours daily during sunlight hours; weekday visitors also can tour the fish hatchery from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more information or to schedule tours, call 580/474-2663