A variety of vegetation exists on the Reserve. Common species dominate the landscape, yet a closer look will yield some not-so-well-known plants. Inventories have identified over 450 plant species. For a list of plants in the Reserve, select the following (pdf): Wildflowers; Trees and Shrubs; Vines, Grasses, Sedges and Ferns.

The Rare and Endangered: The Reserve contains 13 plant species identified as rare or endangered, such as woodland cudweed, cream gentian (right), rock club moss, and bird’s eye primrose. Most notable is

Northern Monkshood, (Aconitum noveboracens), listed on both federal and state endangered lists. Forty-seven percent of the State of Wisconsin’s population of Northern Monkshood exists within the Reserve. The de-authorization of the dam project was in part due to the presence of this and other rare and endangered species. 

Invasives: Unfortunately, invasive plants are also found in the Reserve. Some have abundant populations such as honeysuckle, wild parsnip and reed canary grass, whereas others have low (but growing) numbers such as garlic mustard, spotted knappweed and purple loosestrife. Through education, volunteers, and use of chemical and mechanical methods the Reserve is making efforts towards control and eradication of these species.

Note: Sap/fluids from wild parsnip cause severe burning when in contact with skin. Use caution when around this invasive.

For more information of specific invasive species or general information go to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Invasive Species Page or the Invasive Plant Association of Wisconsin (IPAW).

Domesticated Exotics: The Reserve also contains an occasional collection of non-native/exotic, yet non-threatening domesticated plants such as lilacs, tulips and peonies. These plants are remnants from homesteads that once existed in the Valley. Their presence serves as a tribute and a reminder of those who lost their homes for the dam project.  

FAUNA

Along with the diverse vegetation of the Reserve, diverse populations of mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian species also exist.

Birds: The variations in land cover and vegetation provide excellent habitat for a wide selection of birds. Over 100 species of nesting birds have been identified in the Reserve, including Bald Eagles, Green Herons, and Cerulean Warbler. Rare birds include Red-shouldered Hawk, Cerulean Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush and Acadian Flycatcher. For a more extenisve list of what bird species have been found in the Reserve, visit our bird website. Birds of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve (pdf), a 2008 brochure, is available at the Visitor Center.

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Wildcat Mountain State Park are listed as an Important Bird Area by the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative.

Mammal species include white tail deer, fox squirrel, coyote, beaver, river otter, and others.  An occasional black bear makes an appearance in the area, but none are known to reside in the Reserve.

Reptiles: The Reserve is home to a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians. Turtle species include Snapping, Wood (threatened), Blandings (threatened), Ornate Box (endangered), the Western and the Midland Painted, and Eastern Spiny softshelled.  

Field crews have encountered the common Garter, the Brown (or DeKay's), the western Fox (or Pine), the Black Rat, and the Smooth Green snakes. Other species with habitat ranges that include the Reserve are the Blue (or Yellow-bellied) Racer, the Eastern Hognose, the Bull Snake, the Eastern Milksnake, the Northern Water, and the Northern Redbelly. Of the 21 species of snakes in Wisconsin, only two are venomous:  the Eastern Massasauga (endangered) and the Timber Rattlesnakes. No documented encounter with rattlesnakes has been reported in the Reserve, although these species may be present. Both rattlesnakes are protected animals.

Amphibians: The Kickapoo River and the wetlands of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve provide excellent habitat for numerous species of amphibians. Frog species include Bull, Green, Leopard, and Wood. The Reserve also contains a few species of tree frog such as the Chorus, Spring Peeper, and Gray Treefrogs. The American Toad is also resident.

Of the 7 Wisconsin salamader species, five species are most likely to be encountered on the Reserve: the Blue-spotted, the Four-toed, and the Eastern Tiger salamanders; the Central Newt; and the Mudpuppy. The other two Wisconsin salamanders, the Spotted and the Red-backed salamanders, have habitat ranges in more northern parts of the state.

Much of the above information concerning amphibians and reptiles comes from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources published reference books on the Snakes, the Amphibians and the Reptiles of Wisconsin. Click here for more information and to order these guides.