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 593 State Natural Areas encompassing 324,000 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

Hemlock Draw, Sauk County

Hemlock Draw is a narrow gorge of sandstone and conglomerate rock that supports species with more northerly affinities. Dense stands of hemlock and yellow birch line the stream and gorge and shelter many northern forest plants such as several club-moss species. On the flanks of the draw, hemlock and other northern species give way to rich forests of sugar maple, red oak, ironwood, and big-tooth aspen. More than 40 species of breeding birds, including barred owls, ruffed grouse, wood thrush, 6 species of warbler, and 4 species of woodpeckers depend on Hemlock Draw for food and cover. Learn more...

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)