The George W. Mead Wildlife Area is nestled in the center of Wisconsin and contains over 33,000 acres of wetlands, forests and grasslands. The area is a wonderful resource for all visitors, providing a location to hunt, watch and photograph wildlife, bird, hike, bike, train your dog, as well as providing educational opportunities. For bird watchers, the area is an absolute gem. Birds here are as varied as the habitat, with over 267 species of birds that are known to inhabit or migrate through the Mead each year. Osprey and bald eagles nest here as well. Near the headwaters of the Little Eau Pleine River, the McMillan Marsh Wildlife Area is a diverse landscape of wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands. The area is approximately 6,500 acres in size and is located in the southwest corner of Marathon County, just one mile north of the city limits of Marshfield. The area is managed by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) personnel stationed at the George W. Mead Wildlife area headquarters. Except for the designated refuge area, the property is open to hunting and trapping during the regular seasons. A seasonal 5 ½ mile bicycle trail is open from May 1 thru August 31. Other recreational activities include hiking and wildlife viewing. The Stanton W. Mead Education and Visitor Center is a 6,208 square foot education and administration facility designed as an example of sustainable and environmentally-responsible construction. The Education and Visitor Center utilizes many forms of sustainable energy and serves as a showroom and educational facility for visitors.