Wisconsin’s Remnant Old-Growth Forests: Island Lake Hemlocks SNA

This class will take place on September 19, 9:00a.m.-Noon, at Island Lake Hemlocks State Natural Area, with John Bates.

Participants will gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the remarkable community of life typically found in a remnant old-growth hemlock-hardwood forest, and in particular, in the Island Lake Hemlocks SNA, a 120-acre older-growth forest surrounded by cut-over county and industrial forests. This high quality, forest mosaic supports perhaps the best American marten habitat in Wisconsin’s Northwoods.

Learn about old-growth plant species identification and ecology, general natural history of bird/amphibian/mammal/insect species, and, of course, “cover” the importance of beauty in our lives.

Class will walk slow and stop frequently to discuss the attributes of the stand.

Requirements: Participants must be at least reasonably fit hikers. The trail is relatively rough. Class will go off trail for short distances. Out and back is approximately 1.5 miles. No requirements for readings prior to the course. Note: the road to the site is rough and pot-holed.

Instructor: John Bates

Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.

Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.

Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.

Cancellation Notice: Students are encouraged to sign up at least two weeks before the beginning of any Fe University class. Classes with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.