12 State Natural Areas to enjoy "Big Trees & Old-Growth Forests"
12 places to enjoy Big Trees & Old-Growth Forests
Winter is a great time to explore Wisconsin State Natural Areas using our interactive list of 12 "Big Trees & Old-Growth Forests."
Germain Hemlocks State Natural Area in Oneida County offers plenty of these majestic giants and honors Clifford E. Germain, the first ecologist and coordinator of the State Natural Areas Program, who helped protect many such places during his career. View our multi-media story about State Natural Areas and Cliff Germain.
At Germain Hemlocks, strap on snowshoes for an off-trail walk among old-growth hemlock trees and towering white and red pines at this 88-acre nature preserve. Hike the steep forested ridges between three scenic lakes, and if the snows aren’t too deep, search for evergreen clubmoss and wintergreen on the forest floor. If you’re lucky, perhaps you’ll hear or see a pileated woodpecker, Wisconsin’s largest woodpecker species!
Photo exhibit, "Art of Stewardship" talk highlight State Natural Area restoration
Learn more about the restoration history of Maiden Rock Bluff through pictures taken by State Natural Areas Volunteer Carol Inderieden. Her work is published in a book documenting restoration at the site and in an ongoing exhibit at Swan Vision Gallery in downtown Maiden Rock, Wis., through Dec. 21, 2019.
On Dec. 7 at 4 p.m., join Carol and fellow exhibiting artist David Meixner to view their work and discuss, "The Art of Stewardship," including how to get involved with DNR’s State Natural Areas Volunteer program.
Learn more about the exhibit and discussion.
Learn more about volunteering this winter at a State Natural Area near you.