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Holmboe Conifer Forest

 A Project of the Northwoods Land Trust

Holmboe Conifer Forest

Holmboe Conifer Forest
© Robert A. Kleppin

Why You Should Visit
This 32-acre forest is a great place to find some solitude from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can see an outstanding example of a mature stand of hemlocks, pines and white cedar trees that provides a home to many woodland wildflowers and songbirds.

In autumn, the birches and aspens put on a colorful display.

Location
North Central Wisconsin: in Oneida County at the southern edge of Rhinelander, near the convergence of the Pelican and Wisconsin rivers.

Hours
Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

Conditions
The loop trail is both well-defined and well-marked. Boardwalks span most wet areas. 

Directions
From Rhinelander:

  • Travel south on Business Hwy 17 (Boyce Dr.);
  • Immediately after crossing the Pelican River, look for the Taylor Park Health Care and Rehabilitation Center (903 Boyce Dr.), first left after crossing the river;
  • Pull in the driveway along the right side of the building to the back parking lot;
  • Walk around behind building and proceed about 50 yards across grassy area towards woods;
  • Follow path to the information kiosk and then into the preserve.

From the South heading towards Rhinelander:

  • Travel north on State Hwy 17;
  • At intersection of State Hwys 17 and 47 and U.S. Hwy 8 continue north through light onto Business Hwy 17/Boyce Dr.;
  • Look for the Taylor Park Health Care and Rehabilitation Center (903 Boyce Dr.) approximately 0.2 miles on the right, before crossing the Pelican River;
  • Pull in the driveway along the right side of the building to the back parking lot;
  • Walk around behind building and proceed about 50 yards across grassy area towards woods;
  • Follow path to the information kiosk and then into the preserve.

What to See: Plants

  • Bunchberry
  • Canada yew: one of the few places in the state where you can see this favorite food of white-tailed deer
  • Club mosses such as the princess pine
  • Labrador tea
  • Wintergreen
  • Pennsylvania sedge

What to See: Birds
More than 23 species reside here, including the

  • Hermit Thrush  
  • Red-eyed Vireo
  • Rose-breasted Grosbeak 
  • Veery
  • Warblers (Ovenbird, Black-throated Green Warbler and Chestnut-sided Warbler)

During the migratory seasons, it's possible to spot ospreys and bald eagles using the forested river corridor to feed.

Why this Place is Special
Though small, Holmboe is a remnant of the forests that covered northern Wisconsin prior to the advent of the logging industry.
 
The uneven terrain ranges from low marsh to steep upland areas. This wide range of soils and terrain has attracted a diversity of plants and animals in a small area.

History of Holmboe Conifer Forest
The Holmboe Conifer Forest was donated to The Nature Conservancy by Frithjof Holmboe and his son, Thorvald. The Conservancy assumed full ownership and management of the preserve in 1965. It was designated as a State Natural Area in 1969 and is often visited for educational purposes.

In August 2007, the Conservancy donated the preserve to the Northwoods Land Trust for long-term protection and management.