RACINE – Sanders Park Hardwoods State Natural Area in Racine County will be inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network on Wednesday, Nov. 2, during a ceremony beginning at 3 p.m.

The ceremony will take place at Picnic Area 6 within the park and includes a plaque presentation to Racine County Parks staff followed by a short interpretive hike showcasing the forest. Both events are open to the public and will take place rain or shine.

Sanders Park Hardwoods is a 33-acre designated State Natural Area within Sanders Park & Campground, owned and managed by Racine County Parks. The natural area consists of two slightly elevated swells separated by a shallow swale on an ancient terrace of Lake Michigan. ‘Southern dry-mesic forests’ occupy the two swells with basswood, white oak, black walnut, red oak, and white ash. An elm-ash forest dominates the swale. The sapling layer is composed of ash, basswood, ironwood, and black cherry. While the forest was historically logged, dominant trees are now over 100 years old. Its protected status will allow it to continue to develop complex old-growth characteristics. A wildflower guide lists 89 species of flowers and ferns including showy orchis, yellow lady's-slipper, false mermaid, false Solomon's seal, Trillium, sharp-lobed hepatica, spring-beauty, wild geranium, blue cohosh, and the introduced helleborine orchid. Ferns of interest are ostrich, rattlesnake, rusty woodsia, and ebony spleenwort. Breeding birds include great-crested flycatcher, eastern wood pewee, red-eyed vireo, mourning warbler, and indigo bunting. Originally purchased by Racine County in 1930, this area was later dedicated to Edwin Sanders, a local biology teacher. Sanders Park Hardwoods was designated a State Natural Area in 1967.

“Sanders Park Hardwoods induction into the Old-Growth Forest Network underlines the importance of the work that Racine County, its Park staff, and various environmental groups around the state and country are engaging in to protect invaluable forest land and other rare habitats,” said Racine County Director of Public Works & Development Services Julie Anderson. “This unique and valuable natural area lies within a rapidly urbanizing geographic area, yet residents of Racine County have the unique opportunity to experience old-growth forest right in their backyard. Protecting this rare space ensures generations will be able to experience the unique landscape forever.”

The mission of the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) is to connect people with nature by creating a national network of protected, mature, publicly accessible forests. The organization’s goal is to ensure the preservation of at least one forest in every county in the United States that can sustain a forest, estimated to be 2,370 out of a total of 3,140 counties. OGFN’s program works to identify forests for the Network, ensure their protection from logging, and connect people to these properties to experience mature and old-growth forests. OGFN also educates about the extraordinary ecological and human wellness benefits of old-growth forests, and speaks out regarding immediate threats to specific ancient forests.

Founded in 2012 by Dr. Joan Maloof, OGFN has dedicated over 170 forests in 32 states. Sanders Park Hardwoods State Natural Area will be the fifth Wisconsin forest to join the Old-Growth Forest Network, and the third this year. It will join Cathedral Pines in Oconto County, and Muskego County Park in Waukesha County, Plum Lake Hemlock Forest State Natural Area in Vilas County, and Holmboe Conifer Forest State Natural Area in Oneida County. The full list of forests in the Network may be viewed at www.oldgrowthforest.net.

Sanchez of OGFN remarks, “We’re thrilled to work with Racine County Parks to add Sanders Park Hardwoods State Natural Area to our national map as we work to connect people to these special places across the country. The natural area is a refuge for biodiversity and we’re honored to help showcase and celebrate this location. We want to thank volunteer County Coordinator, Bill Davidson, and invite others to explore their local public forests and nominate the oldest, highest quality locations for potential inclusion and recognition in the national Network.”