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Immediately north of USH 18/151 the Sugar River wetlands show evidence of siltation, especially near the main channel. However, east of the river, the fundamental plant community is quite diverse. In the wetland zone bordered by USH 18/151 on the south, County View Road on the west and the abandoned Chicago and North Western railroad right-of-way on the east, a surface strata of reed canary grass serves to obscure a more diverse sedge meadow/wet prairie community below. Within this wetland unusual species such as Great St. John's wort and fen thistle can be found along with swamp aster and wool grass. Under a regime of burn management, this area would reveal its high quality native character. South of USH 18/151 the Sugar River wetlands maintain their high floristic value. Bordered on the east by the Military Ridge Trail and on the west by the main river channel a 40-acre wetland area has been somewhat protected from siltation, grazing and other disturbances. No detailed surveys were conducted at this site; however, significant areas of sedge meadow and wet prairie were observed intermixed with shrub-carr and forested wetland. Prior studies have identified several plant species which are listed as threatened in the State of Wisconsin. These include prairie parsley and the white ladyslipper orchid. West of the river and approximately 1/2 mile south of USH 18/151 the wetland zone narrows as an upland prominence of land juts toward the river from the east. Field surveys of the wetland community in this area showed some adverse affects of siltation. However, the overall species diversity remains high, similar in character to high quality wetlands north of USH 18/151. This community shows peripheral invasion by reed canary grass, but also supports species such as meadow sedge, arrow-leaved tear-thumb, great water dock and Riddell 's golden rod. Badger Mill Creek Wetlands -- A second series of wetlands lies within the floodplain of Badger Mill Creek and along the poorly . drained glacial outwash areas near Goose Lake. South of USH 18/151 and immediately west of Bischoff's Pond is an emergent wetland heavy disturbed by siltation. This site lies in the extreme southeastern section of Badger Prairie County Park. It is dominated by reed canary grass and Kentucky bluegrass with patches of meadow sedge and common cattail. Bischoff's Pond has also been heavily influenced by siltation. Plant community composition is not unlike the wetland to the west, with greater dominance of cattail. The periphery of the open water includes species such as broad-leaved cattails, reed canary grass and river bulrush. One quarter mile east of Bischoff's Pond, additional wetlands reflect the poorly drained character of the area. Vegetation varies but has been grazed extensively and is dominated by reed canary grass, and common cattail.