The Holmboe Conifer Forest State Natural Area was inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) on October 6, 2022.  The 32-acre land trust-owned property, located in the homelands of the Anishinabe people, lies along the Pelican River in Rhinelander. It features outstanding examples of mature and old-growth stands of hemlocks, pines and white cedar, which made it a great candidate for this special designation.

Nick Sanchez, OGFN’s Network Manager, led a short ceremony and presented a plaque to the Northwoods Land Trust. “Holmboe Conifer Forest State Natural Area is a remarkable asset to the community, offering a short but engaging trail. Here visitors have a rare opportunity to be engulfed in fresh, old-growth air. We are thrilled to welcome Holmboe Conifer Forest State Natural Area into the national Network, and as the representative forest for Oneida County, we look forward to helping people connect to this special place,” said Sanchez.

OGFN’s program identifies significant areas to connect people to the extraordinary ecological and human wellness benefits of old-growth forests. Founded in 2012 by Dr. Joan Maloof, OGFN has dedicated over 170 forests in 32 states. The Holmboe Conifer Forest State Natural Area is the 177th in the nation and fourth in Wisconsin to join the Network along with Cathedral Pines in Oconto County, Muskego County Park in Waukesha County, and Plum Lake Hemlock Forest State Natural Area in Vilas County.

For a full list of forests visit www.oldgrowthforest.net.