WHAT: A dedication ceremony for the second largest land acquisition project completed by Pheasants Forever in Wisconsin-the new H&L Farms Wildlife Management Area in Rock County. The H&L Farms project adds 714-acres to the Avon Bottoms Wildlife Area creating a contiguous 3,549-acre complex of permanently conserved upland and wetland habitat benefiting a variety of wildlife.

In addition to adding acreage to the Avon Bottoms Wildlife Area-a designated Important Bird Area of Wisconsin and part of the Wisconsin's Wildlife Action Plan-the H&L Farms Wildlife Management Area has significant road frontage and will provide access to areas of Avon Bottoms that were not readily accessible prior. Enhanced public access to the now 3,549-acre complex benefits thousands of Wisconsin outdoor enthusiasts, as the wildlife area is less than an hour from Madison and two hours from Milwaukee.

The new, 714-acre H&L Farms Wildlife Management Area was made possible, in part, by a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Knowles Nelson Stewardship grant, a North American Wetland Conservation Act grant, Pheasants Forever's Build a Wildlife Area fund, and contributions from more than 30 partners and donors. The area will be managed by Pheasants Forever and open to public hunting and outdoor recreation.

WHO: Representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Pheasants Forever, Rock River Valley Pheasants Forever Chapter

WHEN: Friday, September 26, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: From east, take State Highway 81 west from Beloit for 10 miles, then west on Beloit-Newark Rd. for 3 miles. From north, go south on County Highway T, 6 miles from State Highway 11 at Brodhead, turning east on Beloit-Newark Road. Go 1 mile on Beloit-Newark Rd., turn south on Hopkins Rd. and the property's driveway is on the right.