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Big Woods

Woodlands near the northern boundary of the Refuge are managed to preserve native trees and restore a Big Woods habitat. Snags and downed timber are retained for use by wildlife for roosting, loafing, nesting, hunting, feeding, and food storage.

Occasional prescribed burns are used to reduce woodland fuel buildup which, if touched off in a wildfire, could destroy valuable wildlife habitat.

Big Woods, sometimes referred to as a maple-basswood forest, was historically dominated by these two tree species. The understory is comprised of shade tolerant herbaceous plants. The big woods is home for many animals including deer, bear, squirrels and many songbirds.

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