Beaver Creek Hemlocks Conservation Area
This property has an incredible diversity of natural communities, featuring stands of towering old-growth hemlock trees.
Trails
Nearly 3 miles of natural surface hiking trails loop through the property. From the parking area follow a ridgeline bordering the cattail marsh surrounding Beaver Creek. After crossing a small wetland via 100 feet of boardwalk, begin exploring the old-growth hemlock-hardwoods. Take the short loop (~1 mile) or make the trip around the long loop (~2.5 miles).
Natural Features
This conservation area features a trail for hiking and snowshoeing. The upland areas contain pockets of old-growth hemlock-hardwoods, so visitors can walk under canopies of large trees. The cattail marsh can be a great place to view wildlife during spring. A small bog pond along the north boundary of the property contains interesting plant life.
HISTORY
In May of 2021, the majority of the property was purchased from the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands through a land exchange transaction. Prior to that, a roadside parcel was purchased from a private landowner for access purposes. Today the conservation area is a primary location for NWLT’s public educational and recreational programming. In September of 2023, the property was officially inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network in recognition of the outstanding old-growth forest features found throughout the property.
Town of Sherman, Iron County
257 Acres
Ownership: Northwoods Land Trust
Getting There
From the intersection of Hwy 51 and Hwy 47 in Manitowish, drive south on Hwy 47 for 3.7 miles. Turn right on Hwy 182 and continue for 13.5 miles. A gravel parking lot is on the east side of Hwy 182.
Coordinates
45.991917, -90.170011
Beaver Creek parking area on Google Maps
Hunting and Trapping are allowed according to NWLT Guidelines.
MANAGEMENT
The land is managed to encourage old-growth forest characteristics and provide public access for recreation.
Benefits
Natural plant and animal habitat; water quality; public access; carbon storage and other nature-based services that lessen the impacts of climate change; protection of old-growth forest
Funding Support
This project was supported by grants from the Caerus Foundation, John C. Bock Foundation, American Natural Heritage Foundation, Annenberg Foundation, James D & Jane P Watermolen Foundation, Modestus Bauer Foundation, and the Wisconsin Land Fund of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, as well as many private individuals and families.
More to Explore
Tillicum Conservation Area
Sack Lake Hemlocks Conservation Area
Holmboe Conifer Forest State Natural Area
