Wisconsin State Natural Areas Program
Kewaskum Maple-Oak Woods (No. 135)

Overview

Location

Within the Northern Unit Kettle Moraine State Forest, Washington County. T12N-R19E, Section 15 W½NE¼. 50 acres.

Access

From the intersection of U.S. Highway 45 and State Highway 28 in Kewaskum, go east on 28 1.2 mile, then south on South Mill Road 0.8 mile to a parking area on the west side of road. Walk west through a pine plantation on the snowmobile trail 0.2 mile, then walk north or south into the site.

Description

Description

Kewaskum Maple-Oak Woods consists of two parcels separated by old field and pine plantation that contain southern dry-mesic and mesic forest dominated by sugar maple, red oak, white ash, and basswood with some beech. Located just east of the Milwaukee River, the southern tract is hilly with southern, eastern, and western exposures and contains a very rich herb layer. Uncommon and interesting species include large-fruited snakeroot, dog violet, smooth bank cress, showy orchis, putty root orchid, and the rare American gromwell (Lithospermum latifolium). The northern tract is flatter and generally lower, containing very large red oak, white oak, sugar maple, and black cherry. Both parcels have kettle depressions that hold water seasonally. Common nesting birds include the uncommon yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), black-billed cuckoo, great-crested flycatcher, eastern wood pewee, wood thrush, blue-gray gnatcatcher, and scarlet tanager. Kewaskum Maple-Oak Woods is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1977.

Maps

The WDNR's State Natural Areas Program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions, and private individuals. Therefore, while the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary accordingly. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities. Users are encouraged to contact the land owner for more specific details.

The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries.

• Guidebook Map [PDF, 43 KB]
• Detailed Map [PDF, 117 KB]
• Line Map [PDF, 31 KB]

Management

Site Objectives

Manage the site as a southern dry-mesic and mesic forest reserve and an ecological reference area. Natural processes will determine the structure of the forest.

Management Approach

The native species are managed passively, which allows nature to determine the ecological characteristics of the site. Exceptions include control of invasive plants and animals, maintenance of existing facilities, and access to suppress fires. Salvage of trees after a major wind event is not considered compatible with management objectives.

Activities

Please come prepared for your visit. Amenities vary from site to site with most SNAs being primitive and without facilities. See Guidelines for Visitation for details.

Allowable Activities

Most DNR-owned SNAs allow:

• Hiking
• Hunting
• Fishing
• Trapping
• Skiing

Some exceptions apply. Properties closed to the public or closed to specific use, such as hunting, will be posted.

***For non-DNR-owned SNAs: Additional use guidelines may apply. Please verify any use restrictions with the landowner or contact the SNA Program. Landowners may require additional permits or restrict the number of hunters at a given SNA to provide a quality hunting experience. SNA landowners can be found at the bottom of each SNA description page.

Prohibited Activities

• Horseback riding
• Rock climbing
• Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and snowmobiles except on trails and roadways designated for their use
• Collecting of plants (including fruits, nuts, or edible plant parts), animals, fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood, or any other natural material, alive or dead

Please note that a permit is required for scientific collection and research on State Natural Areas. For more information, contact Thomas Meyer, State Natural Areas Program Specialist.

For more information on rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Wisconsin's Administrative Code Chapter NR 45 (exit DNR)