Kingston Pines features northern dry to dry-mesic forests as well as bog/fen areas situated on a rolling, sandy moraine near the Kingston Flowage.
Access to the site is via Cranberry Rd to 4th St SW, the latter becoming a two-track into the forest. I recall pulling off into a clearing and then walking further into the site, per the note on the DNR’s website to find the best pines. This site had copious fungi and frittilary butterflies to photograph. The towering pines themselves always present an interesting photographic challenge as well. Time was running short on the day of this visit, otherwise I would have liked to spend additional time exploring the bog/fen areas. Such is the reason for another visit in the future.
Interestingly, this SNA is owned by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and is leased to the DNR (note that the owernship tab on the DNR’s site for this SNA incorrectly states that WDNR owns it). This land is located within the Meadow Valley State Wildlife Area, as are a number of SNAs in the area.
More of my photos (and full-res) from Kingston Pines can be viewed here.
Just under 400 more blog posts to go! Well, actually a few more than that remain; counting SNA’s delisted since I started and a few SNA’s to be designated, the current total is nearly 700, though hopefully, that will increase!
If you would like to help support this project, please consider a donation. There are many SNA’s yet to visit and even more to revisit and I ultimately plan to write a book about my adventures. Thank you!
Additional Information
| SNA # | 578 |
| County | Juneau |
| Natural Communities / Geology | Northern Dry-Mesic Forest |
| Size (Acres) | 535 |
| Parking | Parking Area |
| Trails | Yes |
| Easy to Find | Yes |
| Best Seen By | Foot |
| Marked Boundaries | No |
| Ownership | US DOI; More info: Wisconsin DNR |
| Located Within | Meadow Valley Willdife Area |
| Dates Visited | 8.17.13 |
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State Natural Areas of Wisconsin 