Pecatonica River Woods

State Natural Area (No. 260)

Location: Iowa County. T4N-R1E, Sections 2 SW¼SE¼, S½SW¼, 11 NW¼NE¼, NE¼NW¼. 110 acres.

Access: From the intersection of U.S. Highway 151 and State Highway 39 in Mineral Point, go south on 151 4.4 miles, then west on County Highway A 5.1 miles to the bridge over the Pecatonica River. The site lies north of the highway.

Description: Pecatonica River Woods features a mosaic of natural community types including southern dry, dry-mesic, and mesic forest; floodplain forest; and a three-quarter mile segment of the Pecatonica River. The most significant feature of the site is the only known Wisconsin population of the state-endangered plant species fire pink (Silene virginica). Also present are populations of the state-endangered beak grass (Diarrhena americana) and three special concern plant species - heart-leaved skullcap (Scutellaria ovata), American gromwell (Lithospermum latifolium), and great Indian plantain (Arnoglossum reniforme). Other plants include Short's aster, great waterleaf, toothed cress, and grass sedge. A three-quarter mile stretch of the Pecatonica River flows through the site flanked by floodplain forest of silver maple and ash. To the east is a hillside with second-growth dry to mesic forest with white oak near the ridgetop and red oak, black cherry, black walnut, and sugar maple sloping down to the river. Pecatonica River Woods is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1992.