Ripley Esker SNA

216 Acres Located from Little Falls 7 miles N on MN Hwy 371, then 0.7 mi E on Co Hwy 48, then 1 mile N on Co Rd 282. Morrison County Twp 42N Rng 31W Sec 18 Type: Coniferous Forest ECS Subsection: Mille Lacs Uplands

Description:

This site contains an excellent example of an esker--a glacial deposit that forms a meandering, steep-sided ridge of stream sand and gravel. The esker protected at this site is approximately 0.75 mile long and is part of a 6.75 mile long esker system. Eskers are mined for their valuable gravel and sand, and are becoming increasingly rare. Plant communities range from oak savanna remnant on the south side, to a diverse deciduous woodland on the north. This remarkable esker was gifted to the State of Minnesota by The Nature Conservancy. A geological marker is found on the site next to the entrance. To best view this glacial formation, visit in early spring or late fall when the trees have no leaves and the prairie grasses have cured.

Bird List

Plant List