Spring Beauty Northern Hardwoods SNA

401 Acres Located 2.4 miles N of Hovland on the Arrowhead Trail (Co Rd 16), then W 1 mile on Hovland Tower Road to junction of Tom Lake Road; stay left and go 0.3 miles. Park at the gate which marks the E boundary of the natural area. Cook County Twp 62N Rng 03E Sec 01 Type: Coniferous Forest ECS Subsection: North Shore Highlands

Description:

The Spring Beauty Northern Hardwoods SNA contains a rare, old-growth, northern hardwoods forest and several protected plant species associated only with these communities. The large size (over 130 acres) and location of this forest along the northern edge of its normal range make it particularly significant. A continuous canopy of old-growth sugar maple arches over lower-growing maple species. White cedar, white spruce, white pine, and yellow birch occur occasionally, their numbers diminished after portions were logged and/or used as a sugar bush. Look for the rare Chilean sweet cicely, blunt-fruited sweet cicely, and Carolina spring beauty, which occur only in this type of community. For a memorable trip, visit in September for the stunning fall color and the possibility of sighting moose or bear on the road.

Plant List