Hotspot of the month -- Sterling Barrens SNA

Located in western Polk County, Sterling Barrens State Natural Area lies within the boundaries of Governor Knowles State Forest (Wisconsin DNR) and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (National Park Service).  The sandy soils in this area give rise to a variety of dry habitats ranging from prairie, savanna and oak forests.  

Fun facts

Species recorded on eBird: 66

Checklists submitted: 5

Bar graph of species occurrence 

Map (WI DNR pdf file)

Much of the area is being managed for barrens habitat; a brushy prairie with scrub oak, hazelnut and various cherries and juneberries making up the shrub layer.  This area also includes the forested bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River and the riparian and wetland complex associated with the river.  This latter area is dominated by typical riparian tree species such as silver maple, American elm and ash but there are also extensive sedge meadows with good plant diversity present.  

Eastern towhees are commonly found during the breeding season in the upland areas as are Eastern Wood-Pewees, Yellow-throated and Red-eyed Vireos, Chestnut-sided and Yellow Warblers, Song Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows and other grassland sparrows. Eastern Whip-poor-wills, Barred Owls and Great Horned Owls are often heard at night during the breeding season. Red-tailed, Broad-winged and Red-shouldered Hawks nest in the area.

Access to the site is gained from River Road (aka 250th Avenue), a lightly traveled sandy road on the north side of the SNA.  While good birding can be found from this road, a few trails do exist:  A trail heads east from the south end of 320th Street and will take you through dry oak woods, barrens and prairie.  A horse and snowmobile trail parallels much of River Road and a parking area can be found at the east end of River Road/250th Avenue east of 300th Street.  This trail heads both east and west - heading east will take you down to the Trade River and offers the opportunity to explore the extensive riparian zone to the south.  In addition, several managed barrens areas are easy to walk through and adjoin River Road.