Places to Explore · Wisconsin
A woodland island surrounded by wetlands, with spring wildflowers along the walk from Rome Pond Wildlife Area.
Texas Island Woods State Natural Area protects 72 acres in Jefferson County. The Wisconsin DNR describes a mature hardwood forest surrounded by marsh, meadow, and shrub swamp. Red and white oaks are prominent, with basswood, sugar maple, and other hardwoods adding to the canopy. It became a State Natural Area in 2010.
This collection follows the approach from the Rome Pond Wildlife Area parking lot into the woods. Open wetland views give way to leaf-covered paths, spring flowers, and close views of the forest floor.
Start at the wildlife-area parking lot. Brian reached the forest by walking from the Rome Pond Wildlife Area lot on County Highway E. See the parking directions and official maps below.
The approach is part of the experience: a wildlife-area sign, an open grassy path, and views across water and wetland vegetation before the woodland closes around you.
With the trees still leafing out, the shape of the woodland is easy to see. Tall trunks rise above brown leaf litter, fallen branches, and scattered patches of new green growth.
The wider view is a reminder to slow down: many of the flowers and small plants in this collection sit just above the forest floor.
White trilliums, nodding yellow bellwort, bloodroot, and wild geranium give this collection its spring character. The closer photographs reveal different flower shapes, from the three broad petals of trillium to the narrow, hanging petals of bellwort.
Flowers share the ground with fern fronds, sedges, and newly unfolding leaves. Looking down also reveals smaller details: tiny buttercup flowers, dried seed stalks, and a wrinkled-cap mushroom among last year’s leaves. The mushroom is shown without a species identification; the photograph does not establish whether it is safe to eat.
A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, White-throated Sparrow, and American Robin appear in these photographs. Along the water, a chewed tree and scattered wood chips record another animal’s visit even when the beaver itself is out of sight.
These photographs emphasize the spring flowering season and the transition to fuller green growth. The contrast runs from nearly bare woodland branches and dried wetland stems to leafy trees and green grass. Flowering times vary from year to year.
Plan a visit
From County Highways F and E in Sullivan, the DNR directs visitors 2.5 miles south on County Highway E to a parking area on the west side of the road. This is the Rome Pond Wildlife Area parking approach shown in this collection.
The DNR describes a walk of about 0.5 mile west into the natural area. That is the approach distance, not a complete loop length. Use the property map and posted signs to orient your walk.
Expect natural surfaces and limited facilities. Wet ground can affect access. The picnic area, toilet, and boat launch listed for the larger Rome Pond property are at the county park on its north side.
Rome Pond Wildlife Area supports hiking, birdwatching, hunting, and other outdoor activities. Review current DNR information and posted notices before visiting. Enjoy close views of the plants while leaving flowers and the forest floor undisturbed.
Photograph: Where’s Wildlife. This collection documents past visits to the woods and its wildlife-area approach. Consult official sources for current access and conditions.