Near Millston in Jackson County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Barrens
Photographed by McGhiever, July 3, 2024
1. The Barrens Marker
The surrounding landscape of pines and stunted oak is called "The Barrens". This plant and animal community is common in central Wisconsin, as well as portions of the northeastern and northwestern parts of the state. If you are here on a warm summer day, the air will be heavy with the smell of pine and sweet fern. This type of vegetation covered approximately 12% of Wisconsin's original landscape. Infertile sandy soils are largely responsible for barrens vegetation, but fire has also played a historic role in shaping the landscape. Early European explorers and settlers saw a pattern of prairie-like areas with scattered oaks and pines, marshes, and natural cranberry bogs. The entire landscape was much more open than what you see today. The plants behind this sign are but a small sample of the vegetation that characterizes this ecosystem. Animals that can inhabit this landscape include white-tail deer, sharp-tailed grouse, prairie chickens, red-headed woodpeckers and the timber wolf.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment.
Location. 44° 13.568′ N, 90° 42.43′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Sphagnum Moss (a few steps from this marker); Winnebago Indians (a few steps from this marker); Black River Valley (approx. 2.1 miles away); Highground Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.1 miles away); Black River Falls Forest Fire (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Passenger Pigeon (approx. 2.1 miles away); Shamrock (approx. 6.2 miles away); Martin W. Torkelson (approx. 6.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by McGhiever, July 3, 2024
2. The Barrens Marker (right) at Rest Area 53
Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 178 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 22, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
