Arbutus Oaks State Natural Area

Situated just south of Arbutus Lake, Arbutus Oaks supports over one mile of undeveloped lakeshore with both oak and white pine over 90 years in age. Although this Area is not very large, it is important for its scenic, aquatic, and terrestrial features and two rare birds that are known from the area.

Dominant natural communities of this site include a southern dry-mesic forest and a small area of white pine-red maple swamp. Long-term management goals are to provide a large area of structurally and functionally diverse, older, intact and connected forest comprised of old-growth mixed hardwood and conifer species. Management will also focus on preserving coarse woody debris and retaining dead snags for wildlife habitat and structural diversity.

Arbutus Oaks is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2010.

Source: WDNR