DuPage Lake Peatlands State Natural Area

DuPage Lake Peatlands features a vast peatland complex just north of the Manitowish River. Open bog, muskeg, and black spruce swamp are the predominant vegetation although scattered patches of old-growth hemlock and islands of old-growth pine also occur. In all, the site supports 8 undeveloped lakes including DuPage Lake, a deep 32-acre lake with very soft water. East of the lake are several stands of old-growth hemlock hardwood forest, which are especially noteworthy as they contain super-canopy white and red pine. The boggy wetlands have a deep carpet of sphagnum mosses and support ericaceous shrubs including cranberry, bog laurel, leatherleaf, sedges, and insectivorous plants. Stunted black spruce and tamarack are scattered throughout the wetland and in some places form a closed canopy bog forest. Of note are numerous rare plants that are supported within this large complex. The undeveloped lakes and large nesting trees are also important habitat for osprey. Other birds include common loon, sharp-shinned hawk, and broad-winged hawk. DuPage Lake Peatlands is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.