Spider Lake
Location
Ecological and Physical Description
The primary distinguishing feature in this RNA is a high quality stand of swamp hardwoods dominated by black ash (Fraxinus nigra). Multiple age and size classes of this dominant species are well represented. The shrub layer is well developed.
The mean annual precipitation is 32 inches (80 cm). Average annual snowfall is 60 inches (150 cm).
The nearest weather station is in Mellen, Wisconsin, approximately 12 miles (19.2 km) to the northeast of the RNA.
Precambian granite bedrock underlies the area. Landforms are the result of continental glaciation of the late Wisconsin ice age. Soil is the Carbondale series. The soils are derived from ablation till and outwash of the woodfordian substage till of the Chippewa lobe ice sheet.
Small pools of standing or slowly moving water, lakes, kettle depressions and swamps are abundant. Water flows from south to north, towards a small stream that drains to Spider Lake in the east. The headwaters of the Chippewa and Marengo rivers are in this area.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alnus rugosa | Speckled alder | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Acer spicatum | mountain maple | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Cornus sericea | red osier-dogwood | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Ilex verticillata | winterberry | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Osmunda cinnamomea | Cinnamon-fern | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Carex trisperma, C. crinita, C. intumescens | sedges | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Caltha palustris | marsh marigold | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Saxifraga pensylvanica | swamp-saxifrage | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Gaultheria hispidula | creeping snowberry | Common Herbaceous Species |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odocoileus virginianus | White-tailed deer | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Lepus americanus | snowshoe rabbit | Common Mammal Species: | ||
| Ursus americanus | black bear | Common Mammal Species: | ||
| Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) | red squirrel | Common Mammal Species: | ||
| Myiarchus crinitus | Great-crested flycatcher | Common Bird Species | ||
| Catharus fuscescens | veery | Common Bird Species | ||
| Mniotilta varia | black and white warbler | Common Bird Species | ||
| Seiurus noveboracensis | northern water thrush | Common Bird Species | ||
| Bonasa umbellus | ruffed grouse | Common Bird Species | ||
| Scolopax minor | Bonasa umbellus | Common Bird Species |