Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Hemlock Draw (No. 535)

Overview

Location

Sauk County. T10N-R5E, Section 5. 100 acres.

Access

From the intersection of Highway 12 and County PF north of Sauk City, go west on PF 12 miles, then north on County C 0.25 miles into Leland, then north on Hemlock Road 2 miles, then continue north on Reich Drive 0.5 miles to the gate. Park along the shoulder of the road south of the mailbox. Please do not block Reich Drive as local farmer use it to move large equipment. For access from the north (and the dedicated SNA parcel), from the intersection of PF and C in Leland, go north on C 2 miles, then north on Orchard Road 2.5 miles, then west on Schara Road 0.5 miles. Park along the shoulder and walk south into the site. For available hunting opportunities, visit The Nature Conservancy's website: The Nature Conservancy

Description

Description

Situated along Honey Creek, 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. Sedges, skunk cabbage, and witch hazel also grow along the flat-bottomed draw. 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. Wood anemone, wild geranium, and early meadow rue all flower abundantly under the large trees. Drier forests dominated by red oak grow on the bluff tops north and south of the draw. In all, the site features five major kinds of forest along with several interesting cliff and glade communities. On quartzite outcroppings are two examples of acid bedrock glades that support populations of the state-threatened slender bush clover (Lespedeza virginica) and special concern species violet bush clover (L. violacea). The nodding pogonia (Triphora tranthophora) has been found in the southern dry-mesic forest on the south ridge. The draw itself shelters several other rare plants including dropping sedge (Carex prasina) and Sullivant’s cool-wort (Sullivantia sullivantii) on the cliffs. As part of the Baraboo Hills landscape, this site contains important breeding and migratory habitat for many bird species. 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. The state-endangered worm-eating warbler (Helmitheros vermivorus) is one of several rare birds found here. Hemlock Draw is owned by the Wisconsin Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.

Maps

The WDNR's State Natural Areas Program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions, and private individuals. Therefore, while the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary accordingly. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities. Users are encouraged to contact the land owner for more specific details.

The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries.

Activities

Please come prepared for your visit. Amenities vary from site to site with most SNAs being primitive and without facilities. See Guidelines for Visitation for details.

Allowable Activities

Most DNR-owned SNAs allow:

• Hiking
• Hunting
• Fishing
• Trapping
• Skiing

Some exceptions apply. Properties closed to the public or closed to specific use, such as hunting, will be posted.

***For non-DNR-owned SNAs: Additional use guidelines may apply. Please verify any use restrictions with the landowner or contact the SNA Program. Landowners may require additional permits or restrict the number of hunters at a given SNA to provide a quality hunting experience. SNA landowners can be found at the bottom of each SNA description page.

Prohibited Activities

• Horseback riding
• Rock climbing
• Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and snowmobiles except on trails and roadways designated for their use
• Collecting of plants (including fruits, nuts, or edible plant parts), animals, fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood, or any other natural material, alive or dead

Please note that a permit is required for scientific collection and research on State Natural Areas. For more information, contact Thomas Meyer, State Natural Areas Program Specialist.

For more information on rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Wisconsin's Administrative Code Chapter NR 45 (exit DNR)