[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”1027px” custom_margin=”-1px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”7px||4px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
South Bluff\/Devil’s Nose State Natural Area is the largest forest in southern Wisconsin and has become a big focus of conservation efforts.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/South-BluffDevils-Nose-SNA-by-Cait-Williamson.jpg” alt=”View of South Bluff\/Devil\u2019s Nose State Natural Area from an overlook.” title_text=”South BluffDevil’s Nose SNA By Cait Williamson” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”||21px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n View of South Bluff\/Devil\u2019s Nose State Natural Area from an overlook. Photo by Caitlin Williamson <\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Have you ever entered Devil\u2019s Lake State Park from the east entrance? If so, you may have noticed that you drove through a gigantic forest before reaching the lake. That forest is actually part of the largest uninterrupted tract of forest in Southern Wisconsin.<\/strong> This place, South Bluff\/Devil\u2019s Nose State Natural Area, is chock-full of important ecological features and has rightfully become a big focus of conservation and climate adaptation efforts.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The forest at South Bluff is so big that despite their training in wayfinding, ecologists have actually gotten lost in it! Our friends at the Wisconsin DNR call it a \u201chuge expanse.\u201d At 3,500 acres, it\u2019s roughly the size of a big international airport \u2014 ten times the size of Devil\u2019s Lake itself.<\/p>\n Large, continuous habitats are a must for many of Wisconsin\u2019s threatened species. For example, many rare Wisconsin birds require \u201cforest interiors” \u2014 forest surrounded by more forest. These habitats are hard to come by these days, when forests are small and separated by roads and other human development. Several species of warbler require these quiet forests, including cerulean, hooded, worm-eating, and yellow-throated. All of these birds are designated as \u201cSpecies of Greatest Conservation Need<\/a>\u201d in our state.<\/p>\n South Bluff\u2019s sheer size makes it important for biodiversity, but it also contains some particularly special ecological features. Shady ravines, pine forest, a quartzite gorge, spring-fed streams, bedrock glades, and more provide stellar habitat for plants and animals.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-walking-stick-found-by-DNR-ecologist-Nate-Fayram-at-Devils-Lake-State-Park.-Photo-by-Caitlin-Williamson.jpg” alt=”A walking stick bug on someone’s hand” title_text=”A Walking Stick Found By DNR Ecologist Nate Fayram At Devil’s Lake State Park. Photo By Caitlin Williamson” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A walking stick found by DNR ecologist Nate Fayram at Devil’s Lake State Park. Photo by Caitlin Williamson<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Bedrock glades are open areas of exposed bedrock with small patches of soil, a unique feature of South Bluff\/Devil\u2019s Nose. These rocky areas are amazing to look at, but why are they ecologically important?<\/p>\n Back when fires frequently burned across southern Wisconsin, dry, sunny prairies and open oak savannas were once much more prevalent. Many of our state\u2019s conservation challenges stem from the fact that these dry habitats have gradually been taken over by mesic (wet, shady) forests over the last couple of hundred years. But in bedrock glades, many prairie plants have survived. They need more light than they can get under a dense canopy of maples, but in the little patches of soil on top of the quartzite, they have all the sunshine they need.<\/p>\n With the right care, the small populations of rare prairie species that have taken refuge in these bedrock glades could expand. That\u2019s where conservation work at South Bluff is starting.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/bedrock-glade-at-South-BluffDevils-Nose-State-Natural-Area-by-Bridget-Rathman.jpg” alt=”A person walking across snow-covered rocky hillside during a prescribed burn at South Bluff” title_text=”Bedrock Glade At South BluffDevil’s Nose State Natural Area By Bridget Rathman” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Bedrock glade, a globally imperiled natural community, at South Bluff. Photo by Bridget Rathman<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Much of the work on the bedrock glades has focused on oaks. \u201cWe\u2019ve worked on over 75 acres so far,\u201d says Nate Fayram of the Wisconsin DNR. \u201cThe crew has been very active out there this winter.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n In recent decades, lack of fire on this landscape has caused maples to run wild. While we love maples, this is an example of \u201ctoo much of a good thing.\u201d The maple trees have out-competed young oak trees and have taken over the forest. These days, the forest doesn\u2019t provide nearly as much habitat for our threatened species as the historical oak-dominated forest did. Oaks support more species than maples, particularly the species that have declined in Wisconsin.<\/p>\n South Bluff is one of the only places where we can improve Wisconsin\u2019s rapidly-declining oak ecosystems on a large scale. Removing the excessive maples will allow oaks to reestablish themselves.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Nate Fayram” job_title=”ecologist” company_name=”Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources” portrait_url=”data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There is only a limited amount of time to turn things around \u2013 these remaining oaks will reach the end of their lifespan and die if this work doesn\u2019t happen now.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Clearing excessive maples from the bedrock glades has been the first step in improving the forest at South Bluff. Ultimately, NRF and the Wisconsin DNR are planning to restore 1,000 acres of oak forest at South Bluff by 2028.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/South-Bluff-in-fall-by-Shelly-Torkelson.jpg.jpg” alt=”overgrown maples on a forest landscape at South Bluff” title_text=”South Bluff In Fall By Shelly Torkelson.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Work to restore a significant portion of the native oak forests at South Bluff has begun. This fall photo shows the maples that have overtaken the landscape. Photo by Shelly Torkelson <\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n These efforts to restore more oaks to the landscape are happening thanks in large part to support from Ed and Patty Neumueller and Wisconsin\u2019s Climate Response Fund<\/a>. Since Patty\u2019s passing, Ed has continued to support this work.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen Patty and I met in the early 1970s we immediately started going camping, then got into birdwatching and learning about prairies,\u201d Ed recalls. As the years went by, they noticed things changing. \u201cSo many of the birds we used to see, we don\u2019t see anymore. For example, we used to see red headed woodpeckers everywhere, and now they\u2019re only in more specific habitats. The effect of climate change on prairies and woodlands is gradual, but when a certain bird or species disappears, you notice.\u201d<\/p>\n He agrees that focusing on oaks is a good step. \u201cI’ve always loved oaks. They’re just magnificent, and so many species rely on them. And Devil\u2019s Lake has been important to me since my youth. It\u2019s unique, especially in the southern part of the state, to have something that dramatic looking. I remember taking my son there when he was little and climbing the rocks.\u201d<\/p>\n The desire to protect Wisconsin’s most special places from climate change is a big motivator for Ed. \u201cPeople who are born today will be in their 70’s at the turn of the next century \u2013 what\u2019s going to be around? It\u2019s hard to imagine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Ecologists-from-WDNR-and-Ed-Neumueller-at-South-BluffDevils-Nose-SNA-by-Cait-Williamson.jpg” alt=”People standing on a rocky overlook at South Bluff\/Devil’s Nose SNA” title_text=”Ecologists From WDNR And Ed Neumueller At South BluffDevil’s Nose SNA By Cait Williamson” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Wisconsin DNR ecologist Ryan O’Connor (left), Ed Neumueller (middle), and NRF executive director David Clutter (right) at South Bluff\/Devil\u2019s Nose State Natural Area. Photo by Caitlin Williamson<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Work at the site was also supported in 2023 by NRF\u2019s Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund.<\/a> This fund is supported by hundreds of thousands of small donations from hunters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts when they renew their annual hunting and fishing licenses.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Ed Neumueller” job_title=”Creator of Wisconsin’s Climate Response Fund at NRF” portrait_url=”data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNTAwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjUwMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUwMCA1MDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+CiAgICA8ZyBmaWxsPSJub25lIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiPgogICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGZpbGw9IiNFQkVCRUIiIGQ9Ik0wIDBoNTAwdjUwMEgweiIvPgogICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGZpbGwtb3BhY2l0eT0iLjEiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAiIHg9IjY4IiB5PSIzMDUiIHdpZHRoPSIzNjQiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY4IiByeD0iMTgyIi8+CiAgICAgICAgPGNpcmNsZSBmaWxsLW9wYWNpdHk9Ii4xIiBmaWxsPSIjMDAwIiBjeD0iMjQ5IiBjeT0iMTcyIiByPSIxMDAiLz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+Cg==” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n “You have to live on earth with your eyes open. We all have a responsibility to do something. I\u2019m just trying to do whatever bit I can.”<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Climate change is here, and we want to be sure we\u2019re protecting the largest forest in southern Wisconsin from its effects. In 2024, NRF supported a Climate Adaptation Workshop for South Bluff to determine what the greatest threats are to the plants and animals there and what to do about it. At the workshop, the group of ecologists, foresters, and the Ho-Chunk nation determined that passively managing the forest will result in huge losses to biodiversity. The group also identified restoring oak ecosystems as a top priority.<\/p>\n This work is ongoing, and the initial clearing of the forest\u2019s bedrock glades is a big step in the right direction. \u201cThe bedrock glades, oak woodlands, and forests provide habitat for dozens of rare species,\u201d added Fayram. \u201cNRF\u2019s support has been critical.\u201d<\/p>\n Thank you to Ed Neumueller, our conservation partners including the Wisconsin DNR, the Network for Landscape Conservation\u2019s Catalyst Fund, and NRF\u2019s other donors and members for helping prepare Wisconsin\u2019s forests for climate change. Thank you also to the supporters of all our climate resiliency and landscape-scale conservation work, including the Brico Fund and the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Climate Adaptation Fund.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/large-oak-tree-sees-its-first-fire-in-recent-history-by-Nate-Fayram-WDNR.jpg” alt=”a large oak tree experiences a prescribed burn” title_text=”Large Oak Tree Sees Its First Fire In Recent History By Nate Fayram, WDNR” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A large oak tree sees its first fire in recent history. Fire is an important tool for keeping oak forests healthy, which supports more wildlife. Photo by Nate Fayram, WDNR<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin hosted a free lunch-hour webinar to learn more about climate adaptation in action across Wisconsin\u2019s landscapes, from the Mississippi River bluffs to the Baraboo Hills, from northern forests and lakes to urban areas.<\/p>\n At the webinar, we discussed a variety of climate adaptation projects in Wisconsin, including Spur Lake<\/a> and Rush Creek<\/a>. We also debuted the new short film, \u201cWeathering the Change: Climate Adaptation at Rush Creek.\u201d The film tells the story of climate adaptation efforts at another large important site in Wisconsin, Rush Creek State Natural Area.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TmReWqYGRmI&t=1s” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Watch the recording” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”5px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#2C3425″ text_font_size=”23px” min_height=”45px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Written by Shelly Torkelson, Director of Communications<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_post_slider posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”36,15″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" South Bluff\/Devil’s Nose State Natural Area is the largest forest in southern Wisconsin and has become a big focus of conservation efforts.<\/p>\n Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":34291,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"0px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.16\" min_height=\"1027px\" custom_margin=\"-1px|auto||auto||\" custom_padding=\"7px||4px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nNRF funds projects that have a significant and positive impact on Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife, and that connect people to Wisconsin\u2019s natural wonders. Through our grants for conservation, we supported hundreds of projects in 2024.\u00a0Thank you to our members, conservation partners, and other supporters for making this possible!<\/strong><\/em>\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/aeriel-shot-of-waubesa-wetlands-by-Ben-Albert-2.jpg\" alt=\"Aeriel Shot Of Waubesa Wetlands By Ben Albert, a 2024 conservation highlight\" title_text=\"Aeriel Shot Of Waubesa Wetlands By Ben Albert (2)\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_margin=\"||21px|||\" custom_padding=\"||0px|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n Waubesa Wetlands State Natural Area is one of the highest quality and most diverse wetlands in Wisconsin. As one of NRF\u2019s priority conservation sites, we supported the restoration and management of this site in 2024. We were also proud to support the production of a documentary short film<\/a> highlighting the wonders of this hidden wetland. Photo by Ben Albert<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"6px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\nHow big is South Bluff?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What\u2019s a bedrock glade?<\/h3>\n
Saving the oaks at South Bluff<\/h3>\n
Inspired to help<\/h3>\n
Preparing for the future<\/h3>\n
Webinar:
Connecting People, Protecting Nature: NRF\u2019s 2024 Conservation Highlights<\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nIn 2024, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin granted $1,000,676<\/strong> to support 228<\/strong> conservation and environmental education projects to 133 unique organizations<\/strong> across the state. NRF\u2019s three primary impact areas are lands and waters conservation, wildlife conservation, and environmental education. We also support projects that build climate resiliency for Wisconsin\u2019s natural resources. Simultaneously, we support projects that help make the field of conservation and access to the outdoors more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=\"off\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" custom_padding=\"6px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n
2024 Grants for Conservation StoryMap<\/strong><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]\n\nOur 2024 Grants for Conservation StoryMap shows all the grants made throughout the year. The different colored pins represent our three impact areas. Lands and waters conservation projects are green, wildlife conservation projects are yellow, and environmental education projects are blue. Zoom in on different counties for a full view of projects supported in the area and click on pins to learn more about individual projects.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]\n\n