Wedge Hill

Wedge Hill. . , 1. glacial origins
2. vegetation, The glacial waters eventually retreated and left Wedge Hill sitting on a terrace above the present day St. Croix River. Over thousands of years, various native plant communities attempted to establish a foothold on the hill. Periodic wild fires swept across Wedge Hill favoring those flowers and grasses with deep root systems. These fires also kept back most trees and shrubs except for the occasional oak with its fire resistant bark., Centuries later, this oak savannah plant community would witness rapid change as agriculture and the steel plow arrived at the turn of the century. Cultivation of the prairie soil and introduction of non-native plants changed the landscape again. This area would now become known as the Wedge Hill Farm., 3. the farm, Carl and Ethel Johnson moved onto the 190 acre Wedge Hill Farm in 1934 and farmed here until Ethel's death in 1950. Soil conservation was a priority to the Johnsons and they faithfully followed a schedule of crop rotation, contour plowing, and liberal application of animal fertilizer. Careful devotion to this system turned the light sandy soil into a productive dairy farm of about twenty cows. They also raised poultry, pigs, and crops such as oats, corn, and alfalfa. Cattle grazed amid the oaks on Wedge Hill keeping other tree and shrub species from succeeding., Winter sports were a family hobby. Wedge Hill served as a sliding area. Pasture fences had strategically placed gates for downhill ski runs. Ponds were cleared of snow for skating rinks. The recreational qualities of the Johnson family land were appreciated then as now., 4. Wedge Hill today, Today, Wedge Hill is part of William O'Brien State Park. Park visitors may visit the Wedge Hill area in any season and enjoy a number of activities . . . birdwatching, animal tracking, plant identification, photography, star gazing, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There is also a group camp area and two backpack campsites., We invite you to visit and discover the unique natural and cultural qualities of the Wedge Hill area.