Argonne Experimental Forest contains a northern mesic forest and conifer swamp within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The SNA is located within a research forest of the same same which is administered by the US Forest Service. The larger experimental forest is one of 24 in the northern US and one of three in Wisconsin (Harshaw and Coulee being the others). It can be accessed via a few forest roads, with the most convenient access being on FR’s 2183 and 3903.
The experimental forest is home to a research station and has been the subject of numerous research projects on forest management needs. A subsection of that is designated an SNA. The forest here is northern mesic with sugar maple, white ash, and basswood abundant. A stand of old growth hemlock persists and white cedar. As this visit occurred in March, there was comparatively little to see versus a later spring/early summer visit. I found a vast landscape of leafless trees and rolling terrain covered in last autumn’s fallen leaves and pock-marked with small and medium-sized boulders, the most humorous of which resembled a tombstone. With this early season visit, I am intent on visiting this sight again, and in particular, the conifer swamp, perhaps this spring.
More of my photos (and full-res) from Argonne Experimental Forest can be viewed here.
Additional Information
| SNA # | 441 |
| County | Forest |
| Natural Communities / Geology |
Northern Mesic Forest, Conifer Swamp |
| Size (Acres) | 1125 |
| Parking | Roadside |
| Trails | No |
| Easy to Find | Yes |
| Best Seen By | Foot |
| Marked Boundaries | No |
| Ownership | US Forest Service; More info: Wisconsin DNR |
| Located Within | Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest |
| Dates Visited | 3.20.10 |
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State Natural Areas of Wisconsin 