Headwater Lakes
Location
![Foulds Creek flows south as it enters the north boundary of the RNA. [Brzeskiewicz 2013]](/sites/default/files/2023-02/nrs-fouldscreek.jpg)
Potential Research Topics
Any research topic requiring a large complex of relatively undisturbed lowland bogs, conifer swamps and wild lake shores is encouraged. The area needs a complete flora, fauna, bryophytes, and lichens inventory. Research investigating the prolific eastern hemlock regeneration capacity comparing associated mammalian herbivory and its effect on hemlock regeneration could be of interest. Also, study of the biology of Northern water snakes, common in Wabasso lake, could be of interest.
Ecological and Physical Description
Headwater Lakes Research Natural Area (RNA) features a complex of plant communities representative of ecosystems that were once plentiful across northern Wisconsin. The 466 acres (188 ha) of forested communities are comprised of approximately one-fourth lowland types and three-fourths upland forest. Upland hemlock/hardwood forests are approaching old-growth in character and are interspersed with high quality wetland communities. The rolling topography was formed by glaciers that left the area dotted with lakes and knobby hills. The RNA protects three high quality lakes including Wabasso Lake that contains an unusual “sterile rosette” flora. Several uncommon plants and rare animal species are found within the site.
Annual precipitation averages 32.1 inches (81.5 cm). Average seasonal snowfall is 112.4 inches (285.5 cm).
The Minocqua Dam (Station no. 475516) weather station is 20 miles southeast of the RNA.
Bedrock in this RNA includes igneous, metamorphic, and volcanic rock. Within the Northern Highland Outwash Plain LTA, bedrock is greater than 100 feet from the surface. In Chequamegon Washed Till and Outwash LTA (southeast portion RNA), greater than 70% of the area has bedrock within 5 feet of the land surface. Geomorphologic processes include till and glacial meltwater deposition.
Soils in this RNA are composed of three major types Croswell sands, Padus-Karlin and Sayner soils. The low areas are peaty soils that occur in drainage ways and depressions which contain strongly acid, moderately decomposed organic soils.
Wabasso Lake is a 49-acre (20 ha) landlocked seepage lake of glacial origin with a maximum depth of 45 feet (14m). The water is clear, soft and slightly acid with a pH of 5.9. Littoral bottom substrates are predominantly sand and silt with scattered areas of gravel and rubble. Cedar Lake is a 60-acre (24 ha) shallow, soft-water drainage lake. A small, un-named acid bog lake occurs on the northern edge of the RNA with one third of its area extending out of the RNA. Short stretches of un-named streams that drain Cedar and Wabasso Lakes are within the RNA boundary.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alnus incana | alder | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Eriocaulon septangulare | pipewort | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Elatine minima | waterwort | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Aralia racemosa | American spikenard | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Pyrola rotundifolia | round-leaved shinleaf | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Maianthemum canadensis | Canada mayflower | Common Herbaceous Species |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odocoileus virginiana | white-tailed deer | Common Fauna | ||
| Ursus americanus) | black bear | Common Fauna | ||
| Castor canadensis | beaver | Common Fauna | ||
| Ondatra zibethicus | muskrat | Common Fauna | ||
| Bonasa umbellus | ruffed grouse | Common Fauna | ||
| waterfowl | Common Fauna | |||
| non-venomous northern water snake | Common Fauna | an unusually abundant population of the non-venomous northern water snake exists in Wabasso Lake which can be aggressive and will bite if harassed |