There are some things that we sometimes take for granted, like clean lakes or an abundance of forest land. About three years ago we took a vacation with both of my sons and their families. My daughter-in-law, Kim, has a way of organizing fun things for us to do, besides fishing. Our first visit was to The Lost 40, which is a 40-acre plot of forest in the Northhome area.
An interpretive trail passes through this area. This site is in an Audubon Important Bird Area and Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area. This site is within the Chippewa National Forest.
Things to see: wildflowers and ferns, grasses and sedges, trees and shrubs, birds.
Things to do: bird and wildlife watching, hiking, photography, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Allowed uses specific to this Natural Area: Dogs can be great companions; however, unleashed and uncontrolled dogs disturb ground-nesting birds, other wildlife and fellow visitors. Restrictions on dogs also help to protect against the introduction of invasive species. Specific conditions may apply, but please always pick up after your dog and assure the dog doesn't disturb wildlife or fellow visitors. All hunting is allowed; see the regulations handbook for hunting details.
I have to say that there are times when my old body limits my ability to do a lot of walking, but when I visited the Lost 40, all of my parts seemed to be working quite well. Whenever I am with a group of folks, you will never see me leading the pack when it comes to hiking a trail. In the old tortoise and the hare fable, I would definitely be the tortoise.
I was impressed when visiting this forest with its giant pine trees, all of the flowers and different species of trees. This site is in an Audubon Important Bird Area and Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area. There are 23 varieties of wildflowers and ferns and 21 varieties of trees and shrubs.
Birding Opportunities at Lost Forty SNA is located in Itasca County, and contains a total of 114 acres. The SNA is adjacent to a site of the same name under Federal Ownership. This SNA and surrounding area is a popular spot to view virgin old-growth Red and White Pines. There is a maintained trail through the SNA that provides an easy walk along the narrow upland esker, and traverses the various plant communities. The walking trail provides a circle route through the SNA. Lost Forty SNA has a recorded list of 90 species of birds, including 21 species of Warblers. 14 species of warblers were recorded during the nesting season of 2008. This SNA provides a pleasant walk through mature northern forest with an impressive “dawn chorus” of singing Warblers, Thrushes, Sparrows, Winter Wrens, and other woodland birds. A Threetoed Woodpecker was seen along the hiking trail in spring 2008. The northwest corner of this SNA is riparian wetland that is the summer home of Common Yellowthroats, Swamp Sparrows and Flycatchers. The overlooks along the western side of the hiking trail provide a good place to watch raptors, Eagles, Ravens and other birds passing overhead. Lost Forty SNA has a parking area with toilet facilities. The trail provides an easy to moderate walk through this old-growth forest. The birding opportunities provided along the trail are a pleasant addition to the experience of walking through this SNA.
Minnesota's natural resources are threatened by a number of invasive species; be informed and help keep them from spreading to natural areas.
Until next time, there is still plenty of summer left to do some camping, enjoy the outdoors and do a little fishing. August is upon us and that is actually one of my favorite months to wet a line. Just being on the water in the fall has a certain magic about it that’s hard to explain.
Please take a few moments to also honor those who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms that we enjoy today. Also take a little extra time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who have served and those troops that are serving today.