When people find out that I moved to Wisconsin from Hawaii I get the usual furrowed brow and “the look.” You know, the one that practically screams, “Are you crazy?” That’s quickly followed by the inevitable question: “WHY?” (It’s the same question I ask myself each winter) But, believe it or not, Wisconsin is a great place to visit. (And not just to see a Green Bay Packers game or to tour a cheese factory.) Travel here and you will see why the Badger state is a nature lover’s paradise.
Wisconsin is home to 418 State Natural Areas (SNAs), more than any in the country. SNAs encompass more than 150,000 acres of land and water and protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin’s native landscape – often the last refuge for rare plants and animals. In fact, more than 90% of the plants and 75% of the animals on Wisconsin’s endangered species list are protected on SNAs. SNAs are found in 70 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties and range in size from less than one acre to more than 7,700 acres.
I have the fortune of living near several SNAs and will never forget my first visit to one of my favorites located on the Door Peninsula in northeast Wisconsin, called Tofts Point. From the moment you walk in (you’ll want to bring some comfortable walking shoes), you are humbled by thousands of towering trees who’s rustling leaves draw you in and away from the hectic hustle-bustle of everyday life. Follow the mile long natural dirt trail and watch as homes spun by spiders glisten with morning dew and butterflies play a game of tag. As the trail gets shorter, the sound of crashing waves gets louder. At the end, an explosion of color and a breathtaking view of one of the last remaining undeveloped stretches of Lake Michigan Shore on the Door Peninsula. Here, life springs from cracks and crevices along the limestone cobble beach and it’s hard to decide what to do first: follow the creatures that call Tofts Point home or just sit and soak up the sun, sights and sounds. I ended up following a researcher from Illinois who came to observe a rare and elusive dragonfly in its natural habitat. It’s not unusual to cross paths with ecologists from around the country. Hundreds make the journey to Wisconsin’s SNAs each year. And while the aim of SNAs is to see what processes function in an intact ecosystem, you don’t have to be a scientist to appreciate the mosaic of natural communities. For me, SNAs are a great place to relax and enjoy nature with friends or family members.
A few miles away is another of my favorite SNAs, Shivering Sands Creek. Here, life thrives and you get a front row seat. Park your car, get out and stand on a bridge that offers a bird’s eye view of wrinkled waters. Then, climb down a small embankment to see how the water’s current creates a highway for seeds and leaves. It’s easy to see why so many parents consider SNAs the perfect place for hands on lessons in science and history. Children can learn about animals and their natural habitats and the walking, running, and easy hiking is great exercise. Many say that SNAs are invaluable and irreplaceable, and that giving children a chance to experience them is a priceless gift.
There is a 184-page, full-color guidebook containing maps, location information, and descriptions for 150 of Wisconsin’s best SNAs. For information about purchasing the guidebook, or about the SNA Program in general, contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – and happy exploring!