State Natural Areas Program

State Natural Areas (SNAs) protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin's native landscape of natural communities, significant geological formations and archeological sites. Wisconsin's 591 State Natural Areas encompassing 323,000 acres are valuable for research and educational use, the preservation of genetic and biological diversity, and for providing benchmarks for determining the impact of use on managed lands. They also provide some of the last refuges for rare plants and animals. In fact, more than 90% of the plants and 75% of the animals on Wisconsin's list of endangered and threatened species are protected on SNAs. Learn More...

Featured State Natural Area

Kickapoo Valley Reserve, Vernon County

Located in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin, Kickapoo Valley Reserve features an extensive landscape with a high diversity of plant communities, numerous rare plants and animals, and significant archeological and geological features. Meandering through the site is the scenic Kickapoo River bordered by numerous sheer cliffs and forested bluffs. The shady, sandstone cliffs contain numerous seeps and harbor many rare plants that are restricted to cool, moist microclimates. Learn more about the Kickapoo Valley Reserve...

Parfrey's Glen in Sauk County has reopened

Located within Devil's Lake State Park, Parfrey's Glen was scoured by the 2008 floods, which damaged or removed numerous walkways and bridges. The creek overran its banks and changed course - scouring vegetation, taking along trees, rocks, and other debris. After being closed nearly a year, the site was cleaned up and is now open to the public. The boardwalk has not been replaced. Visitors can hike in on a temporary trail and along the creekbed, but climbing is not allowed. Learn more about Parfrey's...

Read more about the reopening (exit DNR)...

State Natural Area Guidebook:

Wisconsin, naturally features 150 of our finest State Natural Areas. This award-winning publication contains site descriptions, photos, and driving directions. Order yours today!

Related Sites

• Natural Resources Foundation (exit DNR)
• The Nature Conservancy (exit DNR)
• Gathering Waters (exit DNR)
• Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (exit DNR)