Beulah Bog (Blog)...

Beulah Bog State Natural Area is perhaps not that popular as it is not that easy to navigate for some people. The trail is direct and ranges from easy, to moderate terrain and then to difficult toward the end. With that being said, the views at the end of the trail are an absolute delight.

HERE's the Youtube video

Beulah Bog lies in a series of four kettle holes and features an undisturbed bog with many unusual plants more typical of northern bogs. Classical stages of ecological succession are exhibited in the bog including: a shallow bog lake dominated by watershield with white and yellow water-lilies and extensive floating mud flats; an advancing, quaking sedge and sphagnum mat between 25 and 50 feet wide; northern wet forest of tamarack and bog shrubs and; a wet open moat surrounding the main bog, dominated by wild calla and cat-tails. Undisturbed bogs in this area are rare and the site supports a number of regionally rare plants with more northern affinities including dense cotton grass, large and small cranberry, and small bladderwort. The site harbors six species of insectivorous plants including pitcher plant, sundew and bladderwort. The bog lake provides habitat for bullfrog, several dragonfly species and other invertebrates. Beulah Bog is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1975.

Enjoy the views!

 Site objectives

Manage the site as a reserve for northern wet forest and open bog, as an aquatic reserve and wetland protection area, as an ecological reference area, and as an exceptional education/research site. Natural processes will determine the structure of the natural communities represented here. Provide opportunities for research and education on the highest quality native northern wet forests. Note: Uplands provide a buffer for the site's primary features; restoration of lost natural communities should be considered an enhancement activity.

 Management approach

Native species are managed passively, allowing nature to determine the ecological characteristics of the site. Exceptions include control of invasive plants and animals, and maintenance of existing facilities. Salvage of trees after a major wind event is not considered compatible with management objectives.

Very few State Natural Areas have public facilities, but nearly all are open for a variety of recreational activities. Generally, there are no picnic areas, restrooms, or other developments. Parking lots or designated parking areas are noted on individual SNA pages and maps. Trails, if present, are typically undesignated footpaths. If a developed trail is present, it will normally be noted on the SNA map and/or under the "Access" tab. A compass and topographic map or a GPS unit are useful tools for exploring larger, isolated SNAs.