Falls Creek SNA

136 Acres Located 3 miles N from Copas on MN Highway 95. Park next to the SNA sign on the east side of the road or on the field access 1 block north of the sign. Washington County Twp 32N Rng 19W Sec 07 Type: Deciduous Woods ECS Subsection: St. Croix Moraines & Outwash Plains

Description:

Falls Creek is one of the most diverse natural areas remaining in Washington County. Folded and faulted rocks at this site show the largest displacement of any known Paleozoic rocks in Minnesota, revealing Decorah, Platteville, Glenwood, and St. Peter formations. Steep ravines line the intermittently active stream beds. Slopes face north or south primarily, with ground flora varied accordingly. Pine canopy openings on south slopes permit growth of many species native to bluff prairies. Oak forest occupies the drier ridge tops. The old fields on the site are undergoing reforestation with seedlings grown from acorns and seeds collected on the site. A deer exclosure protects the seedlings on one old field. The site is unique for its stand of virgin hardwood and white pine forest, which is rare along the St. Croix. Rare Louisiana water thrush and kitten-tails occur on this site. Woodland wildflowers, such as trilliums, rue anemone, and bellwort, bloom in the spring.

Bird List

Plant List