LTC Old-Growth Forest
No. 653
Photo by Lakeshore Techincal College
LTC Old Growth Forest protects a small remnant of old-growth northern mesic forest on the Cleveland campus of Lakeshore Technical College. Centerville Creek flows through the property from west to east and divides the property into two pieces. The northern half of the site is dominated by sugar maple and American beech ranging in size from 24 to 38 inches d.b.h., with white ash, yellow birch, basswood, green ash and red oak occurring occasionally. Tip-up mounds and coarse woody debris are common with many downfalls exceeding 24 inches d.b.h. The ground flora is lush with spring ephemerals. Dominant species include wild leek, spring beauty, bloodroot, and blue cohosh with large-flowered trillium, large-flowered bellwort, May-apple, wild geranium, early meadow rue and nodding trillium scattered throughout the site. Common shrubs include elderberry, gooseberry and chokecherry.
The southern part of the site is situated in the floodplain of Centerville Creek and contains several prominent oxbows and ephemeral vernal pools. The diameter of the trees is a little smaller, with most falling into the 20 to 28 inches d.b.h. range. Sugar maple and American beech are dominant canopy species with red oak, basswood and white ash being co-dominant. Common spring ephemerals include wild ginger, skunk cabbage, Virginia waterleaf and cut-leaved toothwort. LTC Old-Growth Forest is owned by the Lakeshore Technical College and was designated a State Natural Area in 2011.
Very few State Natural Areas have public facilities, but nearly all are open for a variety of recreational activities as indicated below. Generally, there are no picnic areas, restrooms, or other developments. Parking lots or designated parking areas are noted on individual SNA pages and maps. If a developed trail is present, it will normally be noted on the SNA map and/or under the Maps tab. A compass and topographic map or a GPS unit are useful tools for exploring larger, isolated SNAs.
The good majority of SNAs are isolated and have few or no facilities. Some SNAs have vehicle access lanes or parking lots, but their accessibility may vary depending on weather conditions. Parking lots and lanes are not plowed during winter. Hiking trails may be nonexistent or consist of undeveloped footpaths. A GPS unit or compass and a detailed topographic map are useful tools for exploring larger SNAs.
Non-DNR lands
Entrance fees: For non-DNR-owned SNAs, we are unaware of any vehicle or admission fees. However, please contact the landowner for more information.
Hunting and trapping
Other activities
Other allowable activities such as - but not limited to camping, geocaching and bicycling are determined by the landowner. Please contact them directly or visit their websites for details.
Location
On the campus of Lakeshore Technical College, Manitowoc County. T17N-R23E, Section 21. Parts of NE 1/4 SW 1/4 and NW 1/4 SE 1/4. 25 acres.
Driving directions
From the intersection of Interstate 43 and CTH XX west of Cleveland, go east on XX 0.5 mile to the Student/Campus entrance. Park in the North Lot and walk east into the natural area. The Hetzel Nature Trail provides access to the site.
The DNR's state natural areas program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions and private individuals. While the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary according to individual ownership policies. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities.
Users are encouraged to contact the landowner for more specific details. The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries. To create your custom map where you can zoom to a specific location, please use the DNR's Mapping Application.
LTC Old-Growth Forest is owned by: Lakeshore Technical College