From Trails to Trees: Stewardship at Tyler Forks Community Forest
Tyler Forks River
Tyler Forks Community Forest is nestled beside Copper Falls State Park in Ashland County. Purchased by Landmark Conservancy in 2019, this 590-acre preserve safeguards habitat for species including black bear, bobcat, snowshoe hare, and migratory birds, while helping maintain the health of more than three miles of streams including the Tyler Forks River and Scott Taylor Creek.
Aerial view of Scott Taylor Creek.
Over the years, Landmark staff and volunteers have improved access to the property through expanding the trail system, constructing boardwalks through seasonal wetlands on the Tyler Forks River Trail, building steps that provide access to the Tyler Forks River, and connecting to the Doughboy Loop at the State Park. The preserve has also served as an outdoor classroom. Through a partnership with the former Northland College, students conducted plant surveys, participated in orientation workdays, and completed research projects focused on mammals and woody plants with botanical illustrations.
Northland students helped build boardwalks in 2022.
Stairs to access the Tyler Forks River.
This fall Landmark added a bridge over Scott Taylor Creek, thanks to generous funding from Trout Unlimited Wild Rivers and the Black Spruce Fund. Volunteers also widened and cleared a section of the River Trail to extend to Scott Taylor Creek. Both projects improve visitor experience and trail connectivity with the State Park.
Cedar plantings near the Tyler Forks River Trail.
New bridge over Scott Taylor Creek.
Volunteers joined staff at a recent workday.
Guided by our forest management plan, staff continue to steward the forest for wildlife and water quality. White pine, tamarack, and white spruce have been planted in open areas.
Northern white cedar and swamp white oak were planted in anticipation of widespread ash mortality due to the invasive emerald ash borer; these species were selected because they provide valuable wildlife habitat as well as act as a natural sponge that helps slow the flow of water across the landscape.
Landmark has also been diligently addressing invasive buckthorn and monitoring the forest to prevent its spread. If left untreated, buckthorn can form dense canopies and outcompete native plants while its berries are also readily spread by birds to other areas.
Your support for Landmark Conservancy helps us steward this special forest! For information about access and trails, visit https://landmarkwi.org/tyler-forks-community-forest/.