French Creek Fen State Natural Area

French Creek Fen SNA is a 219-acre site within the French Creek Wildlife Area.  The site features a semi-open wetland containing three calcareous fens with mound springs, wet prairie, and sedge meadow near the confluence of Spring and French creeks. One fen is located on gently sloping mound with characteristic species including big bluestem, blue-joint grass, fringed brome, marsh muhly, Kalm’s lobelia, shrubby cinquefoil, spotted Joe-pye weed, and shining aster. Of note, is the presence of rare plant species including lesser fringed gentian, cespitose bulrush, false asphodel, and common bog arrow-grass.

Birds using the area, including the surrounding wetlands, include alder flycatcher, common yellow-throat, great blue heron, great-crested flycatcher, marsh wren, sedge wren, sora, and yellow warbler. Rare and uncommon birds include black tern, American bittern, yellow-billed cuckoo, and yellow-breasted chat. French Creek is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.

Access to the site is limited; by canoe or kayak is recommended.  Nesting wetland birds such as black tern can be easily disturbed; please exercise extreme care if entering this property!