Falls Creek SNA: Ferns in the Forest

Leaders: Barb Delany, Professional Plant Ecologist/Botanist

Come and enjoy a shady hike through the forests of Falls Creek SNA for a morning of fern identification with Barb Delaney. Falls Creek SNA is one of the most diverse natural areas remaining in Washington County. Folded and faulted rocks at this site show the largest displacement of any known Paleozoic rocks in Minnesota, revealing Decorah, Platteville, Glenwood, and St. Peter formations. Steep ravines line the intermittently active stream beds. Slopes face north or south primarily, with groundcover varied accordingly. Pine canopy openings on south slopes permit growth of many species native to bluff prairies. Oak forest occupies the drier ridge tops. The site is unique for its stand of virgin hardwood and white pine forest, which is rare along the St. Croix River.

This field trip will require participants to be able to hike up and down moderate to steep slopes.

Field trips are open to MNNPS members only and pre-registration is required. Registration is closed – this field trip is full.