Fourmile Island Rookery State Natural Area protects a forested isle in the of bottomland hardwoods historically used by nesting birds. Though nesting habitat availability has suffered in recent years due to a variety of factors (Dutch elm disease, a 1984 windstorm, and the effects of accumulated guano), the island remains a protected bird sanctuary that…
Tag: Island
Baraboo River Floodplain Forest (330/693)
Baraboo River Floodplain Forest State Natural Area encompasses a millieux of lowland forest, sloughs, oxbows, streams, and the eponymous Baraboo River covering 23 acres adjacent to Interstate 90/94 in Columbia County. Owned by the Wisconsin DNR, access is only possible by water. As I had rented a kayak for the day, I planned to make…
Blackhawk Island (329/693)
Blackhawk Island State Natural Area protects an island in the Wisconsin River that is wooded with a variety of tree species and a plethora of ferns. Owned by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and managed by the UW Division of Extension, the site is operated as an outdoor learning center and self-described “river…
Sister Islands (307/687)
Sister Islands comprises two small, rocky islands approximately 1 1/2 miles off the Door County coast in the Green Bay waters of Lake Michigan. A rudimentary kayak launch is found at the terminus of Waters End Road, just east of STH 42 north of Sister Bay. My brother and I rented kayaks from an outfitter…
Pine Island Savanna (244/679)
Pine Island Savanna encompasses one the largest floodplain savanna in the state. Located along the Wisconsin River and spanning the Columbia-Sauk Counties border, portions of the site are accessible from land, while the highest quality savanna is located on an island. A boat launch and parking area are both found along Levee Road between CTH…
State Natural Areas of Wisconsin 