Plover River Woods is a spectacular locale for observing a wide array of spring ephemeral wildflowers. Comprised of northern mesic and northern wet-mesic forests, this is a wonderful location to visit anytime of year, but particularly late April into mid-May. Found within the Plover River Fishery Area, Plover River Woods is easily accessible from a…
Tag: nature
Mud Lake Forest & Ponds (Visit #343)
After concluding our tour of the SNAs of Swan Lake Wildlife Area (Swan Lake Sedge Meadow & Barrens, Swan Lake Tamaracks, and Swan Lake Wet-Mesic Prairie SNAs, we head approximately 20 minutes southeast to the Mud Lake Wildlife Area near Rio, WI. Note that Wisconsin has three designated Mud Lake Wildlife Areas, one each near…
Swan Lake Sedge Meadow & Barrens (Visit #342)
We now conclude our tour of Swan Lake Wildlife Area with a visit to a part further codified as Swan Lake Sedge Meadow & Barrens State Natural Area. This SNA features a southern sedge meadow, oak barrens, and dry prairie. Also found within the wildlife area are its sister SNAs: the recently-posted Swan Lake Tamaracks…
Swan Lake Wet-Mesic Prairie (Visit #341)
We continue our tour of Swan Lake Wildlife Area with a visit to a portion further classified as Swan Lake Wet-Mesic Prairie. This state Natural Area features a southern sedge meadow, wet-mesic prairie, and an aspen/oak forest. Also found within the wildlife area are its sister SNAs: the recently posted Swan Lake Tamaracks and the…
Swan Lake Tamaracks (Visit #340)
Swan Lake Tamaracks State Natural Area features a southern tamarack swamp and southern sedge meadow found within the larger confines of Swan Lake Wildlife Area, together with 2 other SNA’s: Swan Lake Sedge Meadow & Barrens and Swan Lake Wet-Mesic Prairie (the subjects of the next 2 posts). All 3 SNA’s are located just east…
French Creek North (Visit #339)
French Creek North State Natural Area is a large wetland area containing springs, marsh, tamarack swamp, fen, and sedge meadow natural communities. As with many newer SNAs, French Creek North is owned by the Wisconsin DNR as part of a larger eponymous State Wildlife Area. French Creek North is located approximately 11 miles northeast of…
Durst Rockshelter (Visit #338)
Durst Rockshelter State Natural Area features a southern mesic forest surrounding a large rockshelter carved out of a sandstone ridge. Owned by the The Nature Conservancy, the location of Durst Rockshelter will not be disclosed here. It is probably not that hard to find and permission from TNC is no longer required to visit, but…
State Natural Areas of Wisconsin 