Kieper Creek State Natural Area

Of primary ecological importance at Kieper Creek is the great variety and high quality wetlands associated with the mineral-rich Kieper Creek. These range from rather typical tamarack/black spruce swamps to a small spring pond surrounded by an unusual open fen-type vegetation. White-cedar swamps border much of the creek, replaced in places by sedge meadows with good species diversity. Beginning at the north edge of the site, in a mixed wetland of alder, willow, and various tree species, the stream soon forms a defined channel that passes through small sedge meadows and mixed conifer swamps of tamarack and black spruce, gradually giving way to white-cedar dominated forests. Two spring ponds, bordered by open shrubby areas of ericads, bog birch, and sweet gale, are found in these upper reaches of the stream. The midsection of Kieper Creek boasts a large sedge meadow that is apparently kept open by periodic damming of the stream by beavers. This meadow contains a surprisingly rich mix of sedges, grasses, and broadleaf species that are somehow able to survive the flooding or else quickly recolonize after water levels recede. Kalm's lobelia is very common here. The lower section of the stream contains another small spring pond that is surrounded by an open area supporting an interesting and rather unusual calcium-loving flora. Species occurring here include Kalm's lobelia, spurred gentian, Labrador bedstraw, marsh bellflower, Canada anemone, Carex flava and several other unidentified Carex species, bluejoint grass, northern bladderwort, and soft-stem bulrush. Associated with this spring pond is a small but good-quality cedar swamp containing several orchid species. Short portions of the lower stream contain fast-flowing water and numerous boulders. Also important are three good-sized blocks of hardwoods that are minimally fragmented by aspen clearcuts. Though some of these stands are composed mainly of pole hardwoods, predominantly sugar maple and basswood, small pockets of older hemlock-hardwoods are scattered throughout the complex. Kieper Creek is owned by the US Forest Service and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.