Moose Mountain SNA, A Late Summer Hike in the North Shore Highlands

Where:       Duluth, Minnesota

When:        Saturday August 24^th, 2019 (Time TBD)

Leaders:     Brooke Haworth, MNDNR NE Region Plant Ecologist & AmberBeth VanNingen, MNDNR SNA NE Region Specialist

Moose Mountain SNA is located in Duluth, in the North Shore Highlands ECS subsection. Moose Mountain is a bedrock ridge “held up” by an underlying erosion-resistant diabase sill, formed by intrusion of magma between pre-existing rock layers. At its peak, the mountain rises nearly 550 feet above the elevation of Lake Superior, which is less than a mile away as the crow (or raven) flies.

The SNA straddles the ridge, hosting both north- and south-facing forested slopes. It was selected for protection as an excellent example of northern hardwoods, in particular a 55-acre stand of old-growth sugar maple-basswood forest. This stand has been the focus of research into dynamics of northern hardwood communities along Minnesota’s north shore, exploring ways that human-caused climate change might affect the distribution of sugar maple trees. The remainder of the site’s uplands are dominated by aspen-birch forest, while lowlands in the northwest corner of the SNA near the Lester River are occupied by wet forest, with black ash, aspen and balsam poplar.

Logistics

• Meet at 10 am at the (small) SNA parking area. Carpooling from Duluth could be helpful.
• Directions: north from Duluth on MN Hwy 61 N, to Lester River Rd (Co Rd 12) for 3.4 miles. Parking lot on east side of road. Lat/Lon: 46.881545, -91.983906

Notes: This SNA features steep/sloped terrain throughout. Can be slippery and wet. Bring appropriate hydration and field gear.

Field trips are open to MNNPS members only and pre-registration is required. Send an email to Ken Arndt at ken.arndt@mnrinc.us to register.