Kohler-Andrae's Wild Plants and Animals

From the marshes along the Black River to the shoreline of Lake Michigan, Kohler-Andrae supports hundreds of species of animal and plant life. The park has been designated as an official Watchable Wildlife site.

• Mammals
• Birds
• Plants
• Wildlife Refuge

Mammals

The park is home to many mammals, the most popular of which is the white-tailed deer. Red fox can often be seen in the dunes. Thirteen-lined ground squirrels frequent the picnic areas looking for scraps. Muskrats, master architects, build domed homes in the Black River marsh. Raccoons can be nasty thieves when food is carelessly left out in the campsite. In addition, coyotes may be seen or heard on occasion.

See the list of mammals found at Kohler-Andrae State Park.

Birds

More than 150 birds species are known to live in or migrate through Kohler-Andrae. The lakeshore of Lake Michigan acts as a migration corridor for birds during the spring and fall, when impressive numbers of diving ducks can be seen just offshore of the park. Many hawks also migrate through the park area, as do several other endangered and threatened species of birds. Many birds live and nest in the park, ranging from ducks, gulls, and shorebirds to woodland warblers, vireos, sparrows and marshland rails and herons. Bring your binoculars along and enjoy the never-ending and colorful bird show.

See the list of the common birds found in Kohler-Andrae and the seasons when viewing is best.

Plants

More than 400 known plant species are found in the park, including more than 50 different tree species. Many plants that grow in the dune areas of the park are very specialized and found only in this area. The "Kohler Dunes Natural Area" located north and south of the nature center has many unique examples of dune vegetation and protects some threatened species as well. Please be careful not to damage any vegetation in this fragile area of the park.

Wildlife Refuge

Kohler-Andrae State Parks are wildlife refuges and no animals are hunted or trapped. All plant life is also protected, with the exception of edible fruits and nuts. Please don't pick the flowers or other plants--leave them for someone else to enjoy.

More Information

For more Information, ask Mary Kultgen, (920) 451-4080.