Lawrence Creek

State Natural Area (No. 70)

Location: Within the Lawrence Creek Wildlife Area, Adams and Marquette County. T16N-R7E, Section 1. T17N-R7E, Section 36. T17N-R8E, Sections 31, 32. 288 acres.

Access: From the intersection of County Highways A and E in Lawrence, go north on A 0.8 mile, then west on Eagle Avenue 2.5 miles to a parking area north of the road. A trail leads north to the creek.

Description: Lawrence Creek is a cold, hard water trout stream with an excellent stream flora and fauna. Originating in ground moraine about one and a half miles upstream, the creek is internationally famous for research on brook trout ecology, life history, and management. The designated portion constitutes the main spawning area for a large reproducing population of brook trout, and has not been subjected to in-stream or bank manipulation, making it a valuable reference area for manipulated stream stretches. In-stream seepage springs and short spring runs contribute much to the water flow and composition. Stream vegetation is dominated by comb pondweed and waterweed with water parsnip, marsh marigold, common duckweed, water speedwell, and white water crowfoot. Rare plant species include brook grass (Catabrosa aquatica), low nut-rush (Scleria verticillata), lesser fringed gentian (Gentianopsis procera), and tufted hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa). Oaks, basswood, alder, willows, and reed canary grass cover the banks. Lawrence Creek is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1968.