Photo by Thomas A. Meyer/DNR
Bayfield County. T50N-R4W, Sections 19, 29, 30. T50N-R5W, Sections 24, 25. 438 acres.
Nourse Sugarbush features an old-growth northern mesic forest on the northwest flank of Mt. Ashwabay, a steep-sided hill rising over 700' above Lake Superior. To the south, the land rises abruptly to the Bayfield outwash sands and supports dry forest and barrens communities. In contrast, although situated on the same glacial outwash, the sugarbush developed in the shadow of Mt. Ashwabay, which protected it from fire. Large hemlock and sugar maple, some towering 100 feet high, dominate the canopy with associated species of yellow birch, basswood, paper birch, and red oak. The understory is composed of ironwood, sugar maple, and balsam fir. The shrub layer is sparse; groundcover includes wild sarsaparilla, hairy sweet cicely, doll's-eyes, rosy twisted-stalk, intermediate wood fern, partridgeberry, and violets. Densely packed territories of the black-throated blue warbler indicate the forest contains optimal habitat for this rare species. The site has a long history of maple sugaring - for hundreds of years the Ojibwe tapped the large trees for maple syrup production and diagonal slash marks from early sap collecting are still visible on some trees. Nourse Sugarbush was purchased by the Mt. Ashwabay Outdoor Education Foundation with assistance from the Bayfield Regional Conservancy and later donated to the State of Wisconsin. It was designated a State Natural Area in 2006.
From Washburn, go north on Highway 13 9 miles, then west on Whiting Road about 3.8 miles, then north on Jammer Hill Road 0.5 mile. Park along the road. Follow the Bayfield County Chasta ski trail north and east 1.5 miles to the tin shed and cabin located in the heart of the sugarbush. Or from Washburn, go north on Highway 13 10 miles, then north on Ski Hill Road 2 miles to the Ashwabay Ski Center Parking lot. On foot, skis or snowshoe, follow the Sugarbush Trail about 2 miles northwest to the Nourse Sugarbush tin shed and cabin.
Nourse Sugarbush is owned by:
The DNR's state natural areas program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions and private individuals. While the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary according to individual ownership policies. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities. Users are encouraged to contact the landowner for more specific details.
The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries.
To create your own custom map where you can zoom to a specific location, please use the DNR's mapping application.
Very few State Natural Areas have public facilities, but nearly all are open for a variety of recreational activities as indicated below. Generally, there are no picnic areas, restrooms, or other developments. Parking lots or designated parking areas are noted on individual SNA pages and maps. Trails, if present, are typically undesignated footpaths. If a developed trail is present, it will normally be noted on the SNA map and/or under the "Access" tab. A compass and topographic map or a GPS unit are useful tools for exploring larger, isolated SNAs.
The good majority of SNAs are isolated and have few or no facilities. Some SNAs have vehicle access lanes or parking lots, but their accessibility may vary depending on weather conditions. Parking lots and lanes are not plowed during winter. Hiking trails may be nonexistent or consist of undeveloped footpaths. A GPS unit or compass and detailed topographic map are useful tools for exploring larger SNAs.
Entrance fees: Excepting Parfrey's Glen, the Cambrian Outlook in the Dells of the Wisconsin River, SNAs within State Parks and some within State Forests, all other DNR-owned SNAs do not have any admission fee. For more information, see Wis. Admin. Code NR 45. For non-DNR-owned SNAs, we are unaware of any vehicle or admission fees. However, please contact the landowner for more information.
In general, the activities listed below are allowed on all DNR-owned SNA lands. Exceptions to this list of public uses, such as SNAs closed to hunting, are noted under the "Access" tab above and posted with signs on site.
Although a handful of sites allow activities like primitive camping (e.g. Lower Chippewa River on sand bars) or horseback riding (e.g. S. Kettle Moraine), the activities listed below are generally prohibited on DNR-owned SNAs.
For rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Chapter NR 45 Wis. Admin. Code [exit DNR]