Hastings SNA
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69 Acres Located in Hastings on MN Hwy 291 near the eastern city limits. Park in city park on W side of SNA. Dakota County Twp 115N Rng 17W Sec 27 & 34-35 Type: Deciduous Woods ECS Subsection: Blufflands |
Description:
The Hastings site contains two forest communities. The upland hardwood forest is dominated by old growth red oak, sugar maple, and basswood; the floodplain forest, by cottonwood, green ash, and silver maple. American elm, formerly the most important species, has all but vanished due to Dutch elm disease. A wide diversity of plant species occur on this site, including the very rare snow trillium. Talus slopes and steep escarpments of dolomitic limestone provide habitat for specialized plants, such as mosses, lichens, and liverworts. The best time to visit is early April for the snow trilliums, or later in spring when woodland wildflowers such as hepaticas, bloodroots, dutchman's breeches, and other trilliums are in bloom.
