Athelstane Barrens

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Athelstane Barrens, photo by Dave Halfmann

Site Description

Encompassing Amberg State Wildlife Area and portions of Marinette County Forest, the landscape of this IBA is dominated by forests of pine and oak.  Numerous depressions in the rolling outwash contain alder thickets and cedar-tamarack bogs.  Also present are aspen forest, pine barrens, rock outcrops, wet meadows, and lakes.

Alder thickets, photo by Ryan Brady

 

Ornithological Importance

This site is especially important for barrens and shrub and conifer wetland species, including brown thrasher, veery, golden-winged warbler, Nashville warbler, and chestnut-sided warbler.  The site has high potential for large-scale restoration and management of pine barrens.

Photo Credits: Dave Halfmann, Ryan Brady