Fairyland State Natural Area

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The core of Fairy Land centers around a relatively undisturbed old growth hemlock hardwood forest situated on the shore of Lake Namekagon at the foot of a prominent interlobate moraine. The old growth stand is imbedded in a large block of mature second growth hardwood forest. Significant inclusions of residual hemlock and yellow birch are present, especially along the shore. Of special interest is the prolific hemlock regeneration with all size classes represented. Associated communities include woodland ephemeral ponds and open bog/sedge meadow. These stands are bordered to the south by a square mile of old, second growth mesic to dry-mesic northern hardwood forest. In addition, one-half mile of undeveloped shoreline is represented in the RNA. Namekagon Lake is an important waterfowl staging area with large numbers of migratory ducks using the lake in spring and fall. The surrounding wetlands provide nesting habitat for American black ducks, mallards, ring-necked ducks, wood ducks, blue-winged teal, hooded mergansers, and a variety of furbearers. The site also provides excellent potential habitat for common loons, which nest on the lake. A long-time eagle territory is located on nearby Paines Island. The undeveloped shoreline habitat also provides excellent nursery habitat and adult cover for muskies, northern pike, and largemouth bass. Surveys on Lake Namekagon revealed the highest numbers of spawning muskies were located in this stretch of shoreline. Other significant animals include merlin (Falco columbarius) and state-threatened red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus). Fairyland is owned by the US Forest Service and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.