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Tour group hiking in Bristol Woods

Bristol Woods is inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network

May 20, 2025  |  Topics: Events

By Eddee Daniel

“… Into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul.”  – John Muir

It has been said that in prehistoric times the tree canopy in what is now the eastern U.S. was so dense and comprehensive that a squirrel might run from the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi River without touching the ground. Whether or not that was an exaggeration, it points to an indisputable truth: There are far fewer trees today than in historic let alone prehistoric times. From sea to shining sea, the nation’s forests have been relentlessly logged, to make room for farms and urban/suburban development as well as to make use of the lumber.

One of many mature bur oaks in Bristol Woods.
One of many mature bur oaks in Bristol Woods.

However, there is a more recent countervailing trend. The specter of vanishing forests and the threat of climate change have driven more and more people to realize the importance of protecting what remains. For many reasons, including habitat preservation, recreational opportunities and sequestering carbon, old growth forests are far more productive and effective than the equivalent amount of land newly planted. Identification and recognition of old growth is the first step towards establishing protection.

Uncommon red (or prairie) trilliums were a common sight along the trails in Bristol Woods.
Uncommon red (or prairie) trilliums were a common sight along the trails in Bristol Woods.

Enter the Old-Growth Forest Network. It is a national effort to identify old growth native forests in order to ensure their protection and make the public aware of their locations. With an induction ceremony and celebratory hike on May 8, Bristol Woods County Park in Kenosha County became the latest to be added to the Network.

Officials from Pringle Nature Center and Kenosha County Parks receiving the award plaque from the Old-Growth Forest Network.
Officials from Pringle Nature Center and Kenosha County Parks receiving the award plaque from the Old-Growth Forest Network.

Bristol Woods is in good company in southeastern Wisconsin. It joins Kurtz Woods in Ozaukee County, Muskego Park in Waukesha County, Cudahy Nature Preserve in Milwaukee County, and Sanders Park in Racine County. Yes, believe it or not, there now are five officially recognized old growth forests in the most urbanized region of the state! This equals the number in the rest of Wisconsin combined. The goal of the Old-Growth Forest Network is to recognize at least one protected forest in each U.S. county that can sustain a native forest.

Nick Sanchez of Old-Growth Forest Network and Elizabeth Alvey of Pringle Nature Center lead the group on a celebratory hike.
Nick Sanchez of Old-Growth Forest Network and Elizabeth Alvey of Pringle Nature Center lead the group on a celebratory hike.

Nick Sanchez, Network Manager for the Old-Growth Forest Network, sent these reflections by email:

“Bristol Woods was the 10th forest in Wisconsin to be recognized into the national Old-Growth Forest Network, which now spans nearly 300 forests across 39 states. The location was selected by volunteer county coordinators, Bill Davidson and Vic & Ann Berardi. They have a knowledge of the available public lands in Kenosha County as well as experience in selecting the best possible forest to be represented in the Network.

“I was impressed by the variety of forests showcased at Bristol Woods from the old-growth open canopy woodland with those stout old oaks with warped branches to the closed canopy forest of much taller trees, beginning to exhibit some of the more typical conditions associated with older forests, large downed logs, snags, canopy layering. The Pringle Nature Center, hosted on site, brings a lot of value to the public in its ability to professionally interpret natural features. They did a fantastic job leading the day’s hike. 

“We’re excited to help showcase this special place in the Old-Growth Forest Network!”

False Rue Anemone blossoms on the forest floor.
False Rue Anemone blossoms on the forest floor.

And Elizabeth Alvey, Executive Director of the Pringle Nature Center, which is located in the park, says this:

“The Pringle Nature Center team considers Bristol Woods County Park’s induction into the Old-Growth Forest Network an honor, and a meaningful recognition of the unique beauty and ecological value of Bristol Woods in Kenosha County. As the only designated “nature preserve” among the Kenosha County Parks, Bristol Woods is valuable to visitors and native flora and fauna alike for many reasons. These include its old-growth trees, oak savannah remnants, restored tallgrass prairie, ephemeral wetland habitats, playgrounds, Boundless Adventures aerial adventure course, and Pringle Nature Center.

“The designation from the Old-Growth Forest Network aligns perfectly with our mission of ‘putting people in touch with nature’ through hands-on environmental education, recreation programs, and stewardship of the park. It highlights the importance of protecting natural spaces not only for biodiversity, but also for the well-being and inspiration of our community. We’re proud to join this national network and hope that it helps us extend opportunities for connecting with nature to visitors from throughout the region.”

The group pauses to learn about the biodiversity of the woodland.
The group pauses to learn about the biodiversity of the woodland.

A mature forest is far greater than the sum of its trees. And a forest network is greater than any individual park or preserve. And a network of people who value and support forests is the best way to ensure their preservation for future generations—of trees as well as people.

The hikers pause to examine tiny yellow buttercup flowers next to the trail.
The hikers pause to examine tiny yellow buttercup flowers next to the trail.
Buttercup blossoms.
Buttercup blossoms up close.
Elizabeth Alvey with a delicate yellow violet.
Elizabeth Alvey with a delicate yellow violet.
Someone with good intentions planted non-native daffodils throughout the woodland.
Someone with good intentions planted non-native daffodils throughout the woodland.
A log across the trail provides a moment of levity as nearly everyone in the group tries to walk along it.
A log across the trail provides a moment of levity as nearly everyone in the group tries to walk along it.
The spring foliage aglow with morning light.
The spring foliage aglow with morning light.
Oaks are not the only big trees at Bristol Woods. This is a shagbark hickory.
Oaks are not the only big trees at Bristol Woods. This is a shagbark hickory.
A woodland pond.
A woodland pond.
"The burly tree." It is covered in burls, which are growths that form on a tree after damage has occurred because of insects, fungus, storms, fire, or other factors. The tree is dead and recently lost its top, but the cavities throughout provide microhabitats for animals and other organisms.
“The burly tree.” It is covered in burls, which are growths that form on a tree after damage has occurred because of insects, fungus, storms, fire, or other factors. The tree is dead and recently lost its top, but the cavities throughout provide microhabitats for animals and other organisms.

Food for thought: People count their lives by years; trees by centuries.

For more information about Bristol Woods County Park go to our Find-a-Park page.

For more information about the Old-Growth Forest Network and the value of old growth forests go to the OGFN website.

Related stories:

An old-growth forest in Milwaukee County gets recognition!

Emphasizing the “control” in controlled burn at Pringle Nature Center

Kenosha County in a blaze of color!

The Prairie: Bristol Woods County Park

Searching for Snow and Serenity: Bristol County Park

Eddee Daniel is a board member of Preserve Our Parks. The Pringle Nature Center is a project partner of A Wealth of Nature.