Holmboe Conifer Preserve (NWLT) - eBird Hotspot
Habitat: Hemlock-Hardwood Forest, Mixed Coniferous Forest, Cedar Swamps, Open Water.
Best Birds: Ducks, waders, migrants. The nature trail begins in the upland portions of the property. Less than an 1/8th of a mile into the property a 1/4-acre ephemeral wetland lies to the south of the trail. Excellent for reptiles and amphibians. Further along the trail meanders near the shoreline of the Pelican River.
As the trail continues away from the river, you begin to spend more time in upland and lowland conifer forests. During the breeding season several warblers and sparrow species can be found in these areas. Hermit Thrush are likely.
During winter the large stands of Red and White Pine and Eastern Hemlock have the capacity to support nomadic winter finches in years with good cone crops. Evening Grosbeak, Purple Finch, and Pine Siskin have all been found at the preserve in the past during the winter months.
Directions: 59 miles N of Wausau. Holmboe Conifer Forest sits in the City of Rhinelander in Oneida County, Wisconsin, along the banks of the Pelican River, just east of where it intersects with the Wisconsin River. From the intersection of Hwy. 17 south and Hwy. 8/47 on the south side of Rhinelander, go north on Boyce Dr. (Bus. 17) about 1/2 mile. Parking access is in the lot behind the Riverview Hall Student housing facility on the east side of Boyce Dr. (just south of the Pelican River Bridge).
Site Address & Additional Information:
903 Boyce Dr, Rhinelander, WI
Holmboe Conifer Forest was transferred from the Nature Conservancy to NWLT in 2007. This 32-acre state natural area contains pockets of old-growth hemlock and pine forest. A natural path walking trail loops through the property providing views of the Pelican River and the different habitat types, including a lowland mixed coniferous swamp. As a natural area in an urban area Holmboe may serve as a migrant “trap” during spring and fall.
Conservation Fee Lands - Northwoods Land Trust
Holmboe Conifer Forest State Natural Area - Wisconsin DNR
Frank Schroyer
