Wisconsin's State Natural Areas Program reached its 75th anniversary this year, marking the oldest and largest program of its kind in the country.
The Wisconsin Legislature created the program in November 1951 to protect distinct groupings of plants, animals, soils, geology and climate—termed "natural communities." The program now cares for nearly 700 sites through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in partnership with more than 60 government agencies and land trusts, including the U.S. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy and The Prairie Enthusiasts. Since its founding, the program has expanded to protect geological features, archaeological sites and critical habitat for rare species.
The protected sites showcase some of the nation's rarest ecosystems. Wisconsin contains nearly 100 distinct natural communities, many of them globally rare, including tallgrass prairie, pine barrens and oak savanna. More than 230 animal and plant species are listed as endangered or threatened in Wisconsin, with more than 90% of the endangered plant species and 75% of the listed wildlife species found within state natural areas. Parfrey's Glen became the first designated site in 1952.
The program faces mounting pressures from invasive species, climate change and development. "State natural areas are priceless because they protect more than land – they preserve biodiversity, safeguard ecosystem services like clean air and water, and give people a place to connect with nature and our shared natural heritage," said Sarah Herrick, a DNR State Natural Area Program specialist.
Nearly all state natural areas are open to the public for hiking, hunting, birdwatching and nature study, though most remain largely undeveloped.