Hemlock Draw

State Natural Area (No. 535)

As of Monday, June 23rd, Hemlock Road and Reich Drive are closed due to flood damage. Visit Sauk County's website for more information.

Location: Sauk County. T10N-R5E, Section 5. 100 acres.

Access: From the intersection of Highway 12 and County PF north of Sauk City, go west on PF 12 miles, then north on County C 0.25 miles into Leland, then north on Hemlock Road 2 miles, then continue north on Reich Drive 0.5 miles to the gate. Park along the shoulder of the road south of the mailbox. Please do not block Reich Drive as local farmer use it to move large equipment. For access from the north (and the dedicated SNA parcel), from the intersection of PF and C in Leland, go north on C 2 miles, then north on Orchard Road 2.5 miles, then west on Schara Road 0.5 miles. Park along the shoulder and walk south into the site.

Description: Situated along Honey Creek, Hemlock Draw is a narrow gorge of sandstone and conglomerate rock that supports species with more northerly affinities. Dense stands of hemlock and yellow birch line the stream and gorge and shelter many northern forest plants such as several club-moss species. Sedges, skunk cabbage, and witch hazel also grow along the flat-bottomed draw. On the flanks of the draw, hemlock and other northern species give way to rich forests of sugar maple, red oak, ironwood, and big-tooth aspen. Wood anemone, wild geranium, and early meadow rue all flower abundantly under the large trees. Drier forests dominated by red oak grow on the bluff tops north and south of the draw. In all, the site features five major kinds of forest along with several interesting cliff and glade communities. On quartzite outcroppings are two examples of acid bedrock glades that support populations of the state-threatened slender bush clover (Lespedeza virginica) and special concern species violet bush clover (L. violacea). The nodding pogonia (Triphora tranthophora) has been found in the southern dry-mesic forest on the south ridge. The draw itself shelters several other rare plants including dropping sedge (Carex prasina) and Sullivant’s cool-wort (Sullivantia sullivantii) on the cliffs. As part of the Baraboo Hills landscape, this site contains important breeding and migratory habitat for many bird species. More than 40 species of breeding birds, including barred owls, ruffed grouse, wood thrush, 6 species of warbler, and 4 species of woodpeckers depend on Hemlock Draw for food and cover. The state-endangered worm-eating warbler (Helmitheros vermivorus) is one of several rare birds found here. Hemlock Draw is owned by the Wisconsin Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.