kurtz woods state natural area - grafton, wi
The Wisconsin Ice Age is evident in the kettle depressions and glacial boulders scattered throughout Kurtz Woods. Located in a suburban Grafton neighborhood, the preserve is 31 acres of rolling terrain, and is forested with more than 82 species of trees and spring ephemerals.
Prominent trees like Sugar Maple and American Beech reach skyward throughout the preserve. Basswood, White Ash, and Black Cherry make up a wide portion of the understory, along with wildflowers like Hepatica, Bloodroot, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Solomon's Seal, and Wild Leak.
On a warm summer day the canopy of trees provide cooler temperatures, and dappled light, along an easy walk. Mosquitoes are plentiful, though, so be prepared. Birdsong can be heard throughout. The loud whee-ep whistle of a Great Crested Flycatcher called out as I wandered the hills and valleys of the trail. I didn't actually spot it, though this is a popular bird watching location.
As mentioned, the entrance to the preserve is located in a suburban Grafton neighborhood. The paved trail from the street to the marked entrance to the woods is in-between two residential homes. Limited street parking is available. The ridgeline of the woods is surrounded by private property/residential areas. So, just be aware.
Although it is a designated State Natural Area, it is maintained and owned by the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust.
Daily Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Location: 122 Dahlia Lane, Grafton, WI (Ozaukee County)
For more information, click here and here.
Prominent trees like Sugar Maple and American Beech reach skyward throughout the preserve. Basswood, White Ash, and Black Cherry make up a wide portion of the understory, along with wildflowers like Hepatica, Bloodroot, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Solomon's Seal, and Wild Leak.
On a warm summer day the canopy of trees provide cooler temperatures, and dappled light, along an easy walk. Mosquitoes are plentiful, though, so be prepared. Birdsong can be heard throughout. The loud whee-ep whistle of a Great Crested Flycatcher called out as I wandered the hills and valleys of the trail. I didn't actually spot it, though this is a popular bird watching location.
As mentioned, the entrance to the preserve is located in a suburban Grafton neighborhood. The paved trail from the street to the marked entrance to the woods is in-between two residential homes. Limited street parking is available. The ridgeline of the woods is surrounded by private property/residential areas. So, just be aware.
Although it is a designated State Natural Area, it is maintained and owned by the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust.
Daily Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Location: 122 Dahlia Lane, Grafton, WI (Ozaukee County)
For more information, click here and here.
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