Bergen Bluffs

State Natural Area (No. 415)

Location: Vernon County. T14N-R7W, Section 4. 30 acres.

Access: From the intersection of State Highways 35 and 162 in Stoddard, go south on 35 2.2 miles to the scenic overlook east of the highway. Park in the lot and walk east into the natural area.

Description: Bergen Bluffs features a good quality southern oak forest located on a scenic bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Large red oak and white oak dominate the canopy with black walnut, black cherry, hickory, white ash, and paper birch also present. As part of a larger tract of contiguous woodland along the river, the forest is an important stopover site for numerous migratory birds. This fact is particularly important given the forest’s location within the Mississippi River Flyway, a migratory bird corridor of global significance. Millions of birds use the river corridor during spring and fall migration each year. The natural area provides a high quality “rest area” where birds can stop, rest, and refuel before continuing their migratory journey. The forest also contains high quality breeding habitat for many native songbirds. A nearly vertical, scenic sandstone-limestone rock outcrop is found along the east central site boundary. As home development along the bluffs continues to increase, protection of these ecologically important and unique areas is becoming ever important. Bergen Bluffs is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2005.