RICHMOND, Illinois (October 13, 2026) – The new and expanding Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge (Hackmatack NWR) will be the subject of a documentary scheduled for release in 2027. “Welcome to Hackmatack” tells the story of the establishment of the refuge—the first within 100 miles of Chicago—and its nationally significant ecosystem along the Illinois-Wisconsin border.  Hackmatack NWR includes wetlands, grasslands and oak savannas that are home to endangered species such as Black Terns, Blanding’s Turtles, Rusty-patched Bumble Bees, and Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and species of concern like Bobolinks, Grasshopper Sparrows, and Henslow’s Sparrows. 

“Establishment of Hackmatack NWR represents a dream realized,” said Friends of Hackmatack NWR’s chair Steven Byers. “The Friends are delighted to have this opportunity to use this film to introduce the refuge to the public.  If you live within driving distance of greater Chicago, Rockford, or Milwaukee, the refuge is practically in your own backyard.”

Hackmatack NWR, named for the Algonquin word for the native tamarack tree, was dedicated in 2012 and has quickly grown to encompass 1,273 acres in McHenry County, Illinois, and Walworth County, Wisconsin. A 985-acre acquisition for the refuge in 2024 was the largest in the Chicago region in this century and created the third-largest conservation landscape in the region. Several parcels are open to the public for recreational pursuits including birding, environmental education, fishing, hiking, hunting, and photography. 

The film is being produced by Turnstone Strategies and Bob Dolgan, who created two documentaries about Chicago Piping Plovers “Monty” and “Rose.” Dolgan received the 2022 Excellence in Environmental Reporting Award from Chicago Audubon Society. His other works include “The Magic Stump” and “Fluddles.” He’s also recently completed a film project for the Newberry Library about the Uptown Poetry Slam.

“I knew a bit about the plants and animals in the area, but I’ve come to realize that Hackmatack is a really unique place ecologically,” Dolgan said. “The way local residents came together to create this refuge is truly inspiring.”

The expected completion date for the film is Spring 2027. Showings will take place in community settings and possibly on public television. Funding for this project comes from The Community Foundation for McHenry County’s Hackmatack Educational Fund.

Link to trailer: https://youtu.be/N7KcAtH2_NY 

Promotional images

Learn more and sign up for film updates at the Friends’ website: hackmatacknwr.org, or follow on social media: 

Friends of Hackmatack NWR: Facebook and Instagram @FriendsHackmatackNWR, YouTube @friendsofhackmatacknwr

Turnstone Strategies: YouTube @Turnstone146, Instagram @this_week_in_birding 

Contacts: 

Cindy Skrukrud, Friends of Hackmatack NWR, friendsofhackmatacknwr@gmail.com, 262-448-3558

Bob Dolgan, Turnstone Strategies, bdolgan@turnstoneimpact.com, 773-447-1980

END