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State Natural Areas

State natural areas (SNAs) protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin's native landscape of natural communities, significant geological formations and archeological sites. Encompassing 406,000 acres on lands owned by the state and its many partners, including land trusts, local and county governments, and private citizens, Wisconsin's natural areas are valuable for research and educational use, the preservation of genetic and biological diversity and for providing benchmarks for determining the impact of use on managed lands. They also provide some of the last refuges for rare plants and animals.

Find a State Natural Area

Visitor Guidelines

What you should know when preparing to visit one of our State Natural Areas.

About the State Natural Areas Program

Learn about the State Natural Areas Program history and management.

Volunteer Days

You can volunteer and help care for our State Natural Areas.

State Natural Areas Research Permits

Everything you need to know about research on SNAs and obtaining a research permit.

Strategic Plan

Learn about our new plan which identifies conservation priorities and more.

Natural Areas Preservation Council

The official advisory body for the State Natural Areas program.
Natural Areas Preservation Council

Support Endangered Resources and State Natural Areas

Donate to help our staff control invasive species and conduct prescribed burns throughout the state.
Support Endangered Resources and State Natural Areas

Statewide Natural Areas Map

Print your own copy of our statewide natural areas map (PDF).
Statewide Natural Areas Map

Explore Outdoors

Explore Outdoors