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Open the Outdoors
- Natural areas
- Contact information
- For information on State Natural Areas, contact:
- Thomas Meyer
Natural areas conservation biologist
608-266-0394
State Natural Areas Program
State natural areas (SNAs) protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin's native
landscape of natural communities, significant geological formations and archeological
sites. Encompassing over 362,000 acres, Wisconsin's 655 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.
Muir Park State Natural Area in Marquette County featuring 30-acre Ennis Lake. Photo by Mark Martin.
Exploring State Natural Areas
In this short video, learn about the SNA program that protects outstanding native landscapes throughout Wisconsin. Natural areas provide unique places for low-impact recreation, including hiking and fishing. Hunting is also allowed on most DNR-owned sites.
Buy a guidebook
The perfect companion for hikers, birders and nature lovers, this guide features 150 of the best natural areas across the state. Buy your guide today!
