Warm Day at the Sanctuary

Solon Springs WI has the most unique Bird Sanctuary. Situated on 4000 acres, the rolling glacial outwash sand plain that extends from Burnett to Bayfield counties, the property features a large pine barrens with widely scattered clumps of jack pine, northern pin oak (hill’s oak), and occasional red (norway) pine. The plant community is characteristic of the presettlement vegetation that once covered much of northwestern Wisconsin.

Maintained by fire, the barrens are one of the best sharp-tailed grouse habitats in Wisconsin. Shrubs present are american hazelnut, sweet fern, early low blueberry, and prairie willow. Ground layer species include big bluestem, little bluestem, rough blazing star, wood lily, hoary puccoon, new jersey tea, pasque flower, butterfly weed, and wood betony (lousewort). There are trails for dogs and horses, well maintained and truly worth a visit.