Nestled within the sandy dunes and rocky cliffs of Door County is a small but very special stretch of land, Baileys Harbor Boreal Forest and Wetlands State Natural Area (SNA). NRF is proud to support conservation efforts at this SNA, which is home to several rare species.
Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the State Natural Areas program by learning more about Baileys Harbor in this guest blog, written by Katherine Caywood from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Shoreline at Baileys Harbor Boreal Forest and Wetlands SNA. Photo by Joshua Mayer
The southernmost boreal forest in North America
Living in Baileys Harbor has given Jane Whitney many “firsts” – from the first time she heard a black-throated green warbler to having her first taste of thimbleberry. A self-taught naturalist and award winning Wisconsin Master Naturalist, Jane is well-known for her incredible tours at The Ridges Sanctuary and Björklunden.
But not only does she get to teach others about the wonders of Baileys Harbor, she also gets to live her life in the midst of these wonders. “Baileys Harbor is one of the most botanically diverse townships in Wisconsin because, while it has the habitats and flora that other places have, it also has the southern-most boreal forest in North America. That provides micro-habitats for species that would not ordinarily grow or live here.” shares Whitney.
Jane Whitney on a hike. Photo by John Whitney
All year round, Jane is in awe of the special landscape that encapsulates Baileys Harbor Boreal Forest and Wetlands State Natural Area. On a spring afternoon, the slanted light shining through the hemlock branches creates a fairy tale world. On a snowy winter morning, the falling snow creates a hushed atmosphere while landing gently on balsam boughs, creating delightful patterns. “Sometimes just the presence of so much greenery–trees and forest floor–makes me smile and exhale,” shares Jane.
Baileys Harbor Boreal Forest and Wetlands State Natural Area | No. 284
Baileys Harbor contains a unique and diverse landscape, influenced by the local climate along the northeastern coast of the Door Peninsula. Cooler springs and summers, warmer falls and winters, and reduced evaporation rates have allowed northern species and a boreal forest to thrive here. Boreal forests are an unusual Wisconsin natural community limited mostly to the shores of the Great Lakes. They have similarities to portions of the boreal forest biome that covers much of the northern hemisphere. This SNA along with Port Wing Boreal Forest SNA are among only a handful of sites of this ecosystem in Wisconsin and are far south of their normal range.
Baileys Harbor Boreal Forest and Wetlands SNA. Photo by Joshua Mayer
Located along 1.5 miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline, this site is an important stopover site for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. This includes one of the few recorded nesting sites in Wisconsin for the common goldeneye, a diving duck that nests in forest tree cavities. The forested communities supports a wide variety of birds associated with boreal habitats, including the yellow-bellied flycatcher and Blackburnian warbler.
In addition to the forest, the unique bedrock beaches, only found in Door County, creates a unique environment for rare plants when exposed by fluctuating water levels. The forest is home to some of Wisconsin’s native orchids, and the wetlands further expand the variety of plants that are found here.
Donations in action
Since 2018 the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin has given nearly $25,000 toward conservation at Baileys Harbor. This site is appreciated by many visitors, especially during the summer months. Better parking and roadway designation with natural materials has helped reduce erosion. These improvements also help protect sensitive areas while still ensuring visitors can enjoy this special place.
We are so lucky, privileged even, to have so much of this forest protected.
Funding has also helped us manage invasive species across 450 acres of forest and wetland. Specifically, we’re focused on removing reed canary grass, phragmites, and invasive woody species. European marsh thistle, another invasive plant, has also been reduced here through the help of funding from NRF. This plant outcompetes native swamp thistle—an important butterfly host plant.
Yellow-bellied flycatcher by Howard Patterson
Rare species by the numbers
3 state endangered species
4 state threatened species
13 state special concern species
1 state special concern habitat
1 federal endangered species
1 federal threatened species
75 years of Wisconsin State Natural Areas
This year marks an important milestone for conservation in Wisconsin. Not only is it the 40th anniversary of the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, it’s also the 75th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program. SNAs protect the state’s vulnerable native landscapes and provide habitat for rare plants and animals. Additionally, they serve as valuable areas for research and educational use.
Merlin soaring through the sky by Sunny via Flickr
Today, the program includes nearly 700 properties and more than 400,000 acres. Caring for these spaces for future generations takes hard work and collaboration between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and many partners, including NRF. Additionally, we want to thank the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, Brico Fund, and We Energies for supporting conservation at State Natural Areas.
As the old adage says—’they ain’t makin’ no more land.’ SNAs and public land protect some of the most diverse, species-rich places in the state and make them available to the public for recreation, hunting, and simple enjoyment—what’s not to like! Without formal, publicly funded protection, these areas could be lost to development or closed to public use.
Guest Blogger
Katharine Caywood (she/her)
Marketing Specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Katharine is a communications professional working for the Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation. She has a deep appreciation for Wisconsin wildlife, especially in the Driftless Area.
Upcoming webinar: WI State Natural Areas at Age 75
At 75, the Wisconsin State Natural Areas program was established by giants in the conservation community and is the oldest and largest such program in the nation. Despite our success, we are facing unprecedented challenges that even they likely couldn’t have foreseen. We need to acknowledge those challenges and find ways to still meet our mission to “locate, establish and conserve a system of natural areas representing the wealth and variety of Wisconsin’s natural communities for education, research and long-term protection of the state’s biological diversity” in pragmatic, implementable ways.
Join Matt Zine, a conservation biologist with the DNR, to learn about the history of Wisconsin’s SNA program, celebrate its successes, and discuss the conservation challenges that lie ahead.
When: Tuesday, October 27th from 12 to 1:30pm CST
Where: Zoom Webinar
Cost: Free
40 years of supporting Wisconsin’s biodiversity
Since 1986, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin has been on a mission to support Wisconsin’s biodiversity. In 2004, we increased funding for Wisconsin’s 694 SNAs, and we’re proud to say we now provide over $200,000 annually to restore and manage these important habitats. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we remain committed to protecting Wisconsin’s most imperiled species and unique landscapes.
Thank you to our members and donors for supporting all the important work needed to keep Wisconsin’s State Natural Areas healthy! Special shout-out to the Brico Fund for recently supporting work at Spur Lake SNA and to the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation for supporting work at Johnson Lake Barrens and Springs SNA.