State Natural Areas Program

State Natural Areas (SNAs) protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin's native landscape of natural communities, significant geological formations and archeological sites. Wisconsin's 560 State Natural Areas encompassing 323,000 acres are valuable for research and educational use, the preservation of genetic and biological diversity, and for providing benchmarks for determining the impact of use on managed lands. They also provide some of the last refuges for rare plants and animals. In fact, more than 90% of the plants and 75% of the animals on Wisconsin's list of endangered and threatened species are protected on SNAs. Site protection is accomplished by several means, including land acquisition from willing sellers, donations, conservation easements, and cooperative agreements. Areas owned by other government agencies, educational institutions, and private conservation organizations are brought into the natural area system by formal agreements between the DNR and the landowner. The SNA Program owes much of its success to agreements with partners like The Nature Conservancy, USDA Forest Service, local Wisconsin land trusts, and county governments. Learn More...

Featured State Natural Area

Tunnelville Cliffs, Vernon County

Owned by our partner Mississippi Valley Conservancy, Tunnelville Cliffs features an extensive series of east-facing Cambrian sandstone cliffs that support a noteworthy flora. Other natural features include ice caves, waterfalls, and a small goat prairie. Learn more about Tunnelville Cliffs...

Parfrey's Glen, Sauk County

Located within Devil's Lake State Park, Parfrey's Glen was scoured by the recent floods, which damaged or removed numerous walkways and bridges. The creek overran its banks and changed course - taking along trees, rocks, and other debris. Staff is assessing the damage and will be working on a restoration plan in the near future. The natural area is closed to all public use until further notice. Learn more about the Glen...

State Natural Area Guidebook:

Wisconsin, naturally features 150 of our finest State Natural Areas. This award-winning publication contains site descriptions, photos, and driving directions. Order yours today!

Related Sites

• Natural Resources Foundation (exit DNR)
• The Nature Conservancy (exit DNR)
• Gathering Waters (exit DNR)
• Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (exit DNR)