Kewaskum Maple-Oak Woods SNA/South Mill Road:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L15927359?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec
Habitat: Southern Hardwood Forest, Bottomland Hardwoods, Open Water, Conifer Plantation.
Best Birds: This spot has habitats which attract resident birds associated with both southern and northern latitudes. Northern species at or near the southern limits of their breeding range here include Sharp-shinned Hawk (uncommon), Alder Flycatcher, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Red Crossbill (rare), Pine Siskin (rare), abd Mourning and Black-throated Green Warbler (rare).
Both crossbill species and Common Redpoll are possible in winter.
Southern species at or near the northern limits of their range include Red-shouldered Hawk, Acadian Flycatcher, and Hooded Warbler. Check habitats suitable for both cuckoos, American Woodcock, Broad-winged Hawk, Barred Owl, and Pileated Woodpecker.
The upland woods in the SNA portion of the site harbor Eastern Wood-Pewee, Acadian, Least, and Great Crested Flycatchers, Yellow-throated Vireo, Wood Thrush, Cerulean Warbler (uncommon), and Scarlet Tanager. Pine Warbler can be heard in the pine plantations.
Virginia Rail, Sora, and Swamp Sparrow are possible in the wetlands. Alder Flycatcher has been known to nest off of South Mill Road on either side of the bridge just one tenth of a mile south of Highway 28 and/or in the swampy open carr habitat southeast of the snowmobile bridge over the Milwaukee River east branch.
Directions: 47 miles NW of Milwaukee/1 mile east of Kewaskum. From Hwy 28 turn south on South Mill Road which dead ends in about a mile at a parking area (43.50684, -88.20622) where the snowmobile trail crosses. Follow the trail to the west between the two units of the Kewaskum Maple-Oak SNA or east about 1/4 miles to where it crosses a bridge over the East Branch Milwaukee River. In addition to the parking lot at the end of the road, there are also several pull outs along the road. Most of the road is unpaved, potholed and not passable after snowmelt or heavy rains.
Site Address and Additional Information:
The SNA consists of two separate units comprising about 50 acres of mature southern hardwood forest replete with ephemeral kettle ponds and steep hills. Surrounding the SNA are Kettle Moraine State Forest lands: 75 acres of riverine bottomland hardwoods, 150 acres of pine and spruce plantation, and 150 acres of wetland and hardwood swamp. The entire area is sandwiched in between the main Milwaukee River and the east branch of the Milwaukee River.
There are no developed trails for human use. However, bushwhacking is possible. Rubber boots or sturdy hiking boots can be useful, especially if there has been recent snowmelt, heavy rainfall, or if tall weeds (including Wild Parsnip) are emerging from the snowmobile trail in late summer/early Fall. In winter, It is possible to walk or snowshoe into this site once the snow has been packed down by snowmobiles.
South Mill Road from Highway 28 can be badly potholed with densely forested DNR land on both sides of the road. Do not exceed 3 MPH while driving this stretch and do not attempt to drive this part of the road in winter if there is snow or ice or if there has been a lot of snowmelt or recent heavy rain.
9076 South Mill Road, Kewaskum, WI
https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/lands/naturalareas/index.asp?sna=135
John O'Donnell
