Texas Islands Woods is not in Texas, of course, but can be found in Jefferson County, Wisconsin within the Rome Pond Wildlife Area. A parking area can be found off of CTH E south of Sullivan. From there, walk approximately 1/2 mile along a DNR access lane to the “island”.
Why this site is called ‘Texas’ I do not know. Why it is called an island can be explained by its natural communities. It is a slightly upland forest located within a “sea” of marsh, meadow, and swamp. Along the access lane toward the area, there were several instances where my feet became quite wet trying to navigate the water crossing the trail. At last, I made it to the “island”. Truthfully, with the full canopy closed with the calendar almost reading June, there were no ephemerals to be seen in the forest. Coupled with an overcast, damp, and occasionally drizzly day, and it was a tough time for taking a photograph of any kind. I did not note anything spectacular during my visit, but with seemingly pitch black conditions amongst the trees, there was little to be seen. A visit here earlier in the spring may be in the cards; hopefully, it will be on a sunny day too.
More of my photos (and full-res) from Texas Island Woods can be viewed here.
Additional Information
| SNA # | 603 |
| County | Jefferson |
| Natural Communities / Geology | Southern Hardwood Forest |
| Size (Acres) | 72 |
| Parking | Parking Area (gravel) |
| Trails | Partial, access lane |
| Easy to Find | Yes |
| Best Seen By | Foot |
| Marked Boundaries | No |
| Ownership | Wisconsin DNR |
| Located Within | 72 |
| Dates Visited | 5.31.10 |
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State Natural Areas of Wisconsin 