In 1999, OWLT purchased 103.5 acres within the 435 acre Huiras Lake Woods and Bog Natural Area. That acreage is known as the Huiras Lake property and features a 26 acre back water seepage lake. The lack of recent disturbances combined with absence of exotic introduced plant species renders this area among the most pristine wetlands in southeastern Wisconsin. Additionally, the plant communities of Huiras Lake are very unusual for the southeastern Wisconsin region. The wetland communities of Huiras Lake are more typical of those found in Northern Wisconsin. Owing to its unique wetland profile SEWRPC has categorized this site as an A-2 natural area of regional significance.

The OWLT property includes the majority of the Lake’s northern shoreline as well as 80 acres of hardwood and conifer swamp. There is a 26 acre backwater seepage lake located on the property. The remaining upland fields are being restored to native forest. The original hydrology of the site is being reclaimed by restoring wetlands that had been drained affecting the seasonally flooded lowland forest. This OWLT property is ideal for hiking, canoeing, bird watching and fishing.

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