Coon Fork Barrens State Natural Area

Coon Fork Barrens lies between two tributaries of the Eau Claire River, Coon Fork Creek and Pea Creek. The property is 580 acres of gently rolling barrens, brushy sand prairie and ferns atop sandy soils. Stunted Jack pine, Hills, black, white and bur oaks accent the barrens with blueberry and American hazelnut bushes. Birds include the Northern Raven, White-throated Sparrow, Clay-colored and Grasshopper Sparrow, Willow Flycatcher, Bobolink, Goldfinch, Veery and Yellow-rumped Warbler. In the winter the area supports winter finches. Prairie plant species include wild lupine, which supports a population of rare Karner blue butterflies.

Directions: From Augusta, drive east 1.6 miles on Hwy. 12, then northeast on Cty. CF (Coon Fork Road) 4.2 miles to a parking lot at its intersection with Horse Creek and Goat Ranch Roads. A hiking trail runs through the site.

Gazetteer: Page 61, C-8.

Phone: 715/839-3771 (West Central Region Headquarters WDNR).

Web site: Coon Fork Barrens State Natural Area

Signature species: Karner blue butterfly, Wild Turkey, and Blue-winged Warbler.

Seasonality: Open all year.

Parking: Parking area provided.

Nearest food & lodging: Augusta, 6 miles west.