Cedarburg Beech Woods State Natural Area in Saukville

 

This 80-acre preserve, owned by UW – Milwaukee and managed by their Saukville Field Station, is one of the finest mature beech-maple forests remaining in southeastern Wisconsin. Like the adjacent Cedarburg Bog, the beech-maple forest has been designated a State Natural Area, and is classified as a National Natural Landmark by the Department of Interior.

 

Cedarburg Beech Woods features a southern mesic forest dominated by beech and sugar maple. The southern portion of the site is situated on rolling topography and has a mature forest of sugar maple, American beech, and white ash. The northeast portion features yellow birch, tamarack, and white cedar lowlands. The northern part of the site is located on level ground and contains a dense stand of smaller trees, reflecting its more recent history of logging.

 

Although sugar maple, white ash, and American beech are dominant, shade-intolerant species such as shagbark hickory and red oak are also present in high numbers. Spring ephemeral flowers include trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, wild geranium, bloodroot, hepatica, and false Solomon’s seal. There are seven species of ferns.

 

A network of looping trails begins and ends at the Field Station, which has restrooms during its hours of operation. However, the trails are not generally open to the public except for guided walks and other events. Hunting is not allowed. There are no other amenities.

 

For a schedule of events go to the Friends of the Cedarburg Bog website.

For more information go to the DNR website or the UWM Field Station website.

 

 

Gallery (click to enlarge)