Tillicum Conservation Area
With shoreline on three different under-developed lakes, this property is an excellent place for carry-in paddling.
Natural Features
There is an incredible diversity of forest types on the property. Young aspen and birch stands quickly transition to mature white pine along the shoreline of Stone Lake, and towering basswood trees on Ess Lake. A small pocket of forest near Keough Lake contains large eastern hemlock, and has the beginnings of old-growth characteristics.
HISTORY
In December of 2021, the property was gifted by sisters Helen Towner and Jeanne Sposito, in honor of their mother. Tillicum is believed to mean ‘friend’ and is derived from ‘Tilixam’ meaning ‘person, people or tribe’ in the Chinook Indian Nation.
Town of sherman, iron County
121 Acres
Ownership: Northwoods Land Trust
Getting There
From Park Falls take Hwy 182 east for 19.3 miles. Turn north onto Boot Lake Rd. and continue 0.4 miles to the conservation area boundary. Park along Boot Lake Rd. Walk in access to Stone Lake is available via Fire #1422N, and to Ess Lake a little further north along Boot Lake Rd. The furthest east parcel of the property is only accessible by water.
Coordinates
46.027056, -90.128664.
Tillicum parking area on Google Maps.
Dogs are welcome.
Hunting and Trapping are allowed according to NWLT Guidelines.
MANAGEMENT
The preserve is passively managed meaning activities only occur in response to natural disasters or threats to the conservation values.
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 characteristics
Funding Support
This project was supported by grants from the Caerus Foundation, John C. Bock 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 several private individuals and families.
More to Explore
Beaver Creek Hemlocks Conservation Area
Sack Lake Hemlocks Conservation Area
Projects
Major Initiatives
Explore the three initiatives that NWLT is advancing to benefit current and future generations.
Old Growth Forest Initiative
Less than 1% of old-growth forest remains in northern Wisconsin todayand they deserve protection.
Shoreline Protection Initiative
Our region includes one of the highest densities of inland freshwater lakes in the world and headwaters to major river systems.
Conservation Priority & Climate Resilient Areas
Nature-based solutions offer real hope for lessening climate impacts at home and capturing and storing carbon.
