This remarkable SNA straddles a 4-square mile, east-west oriented ridge of Keweenawan bedrock that rises 439 feet above Lake Superior near Hovland. Droughty conditions on the upper slopes, with patches of exposed bedrock and dry, shallow soils, have historically set the stage for fire. Fires, in turn, have perpetuated these conditions by consuming forest litter that would otherwise contribute to soil development.
Relatively deeper, more organic soils on lower slopes in the northern part of the SNA support less fire-prone communities of aspen-birch forest, wet meadow forest, alder and black ash swamps and a beaver wetland.
Wolves are at home in this landscape, as are many bird species associated with coniferous forest, such as the black-backed woodpecker, red-breasted nuthatch and evening grosbeak. Patches of open bedrock add to the diversity with their native flora of lichens, mosses, poverty grass and sedges.
MN Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) protect the last remaining habitat for Minnesota’s rarest plants and animals. Recreation is limited to protect this habitat and natural diversity.
