Cold Spring Heron Colony SNA

64 Acres Located from Cold Spring: take MN Hwy 23 NE 2 miles. Park on north side of road across railroad tracks. Stearns County Twp 123N Rng 30W Sec 13 Type: Deciduous Woods ECS Subsection: Hardwood Hills

Description:

Cold Spring Heron Colony is a site of open floodplain meadow, floodplain forest, and a small prairie hill. The prairie hill, on the south side of Highway 23, contains many common and colorful plant species. In the past, this site has been home to a large heron colony that was studied longer than any other in the state. However, the herons abandoned the site in 1989. It is not known why the herons left, but a severe drought in 1988 and the loss of many nesting trees in 1983 are likely contributing factors. One day the herons may return to nest at Cold Spring and provide additional long-term research opportunities. The Nature Conservancy gifted this site as an SNA.

Plant List

Visitor notes:

Note :Visitation to the heron colony is by permit only. Apply through Minnesota SNA Program at (651) 259-5088 or through the Nongame Wildlife Specialist at New Ulm (507) 359-6000.