Ridgeway Pines Natural Area
The last glacier receded approximately 12,000 years ago, leaving behind isolated pine relicts from cooler times. As the climate warmed, prairies and oak woodlands replaced pines. Still, one can find remnant pine forests on steep, inaccessible slopes that have evaded naturally occurring fires through the centuries. These pine relicts contain groundlayer plants that are more commonly found in northern pine forests, and offer a fascinating glimpse into natural history.
Unfortunately residential development threatens to encroach on this State Natural Area, endangering a unique, sensitive, and irreplaceable ecosystem . The Driftless Area Land Conservancy has been active in this area, and successful in preserving parts of it. Our work will continue there.
