Grey Cloud Dunes SNA

237 Acres Located in Cottage Grove. From US Hwy 61 exit S (right) onto Jamaica Ave., then W on 100th St., then S on Hadley Ave. Park at the intersection with 103rd St. Walk E, then along field road to the open prairie. Parking also available at the end of 110th St. Washington County Twp 27N Rng 21W Sec 29 Type: Deciduous Woods ECS Subsection: St. Paul-Baldwin Plains & Moraines

Description:

Grey Cloud Dunes encompasses two sandy terraces along the Mississippi River. The first, 40 to 60 feet above the river, is remarkable for its crescents and blowouts sculpted by southwesterly winds. The second, 110 feet above the river, has a dramatic cut-face. These river terraces mark the height of the river at various periods following the melting and retreat of the glaciers. Dunes on both terraces rise in waves, cresting 10 to 20 feet above the swales. Elm, silver maple, cottonwood, and box elder rim a wetland and a half mile of today's riverbank. Look for distinct plant communities on dune crests, slopes, and swales, as well as on blowouts, erosional faces, and small wetlands. Distinctive species adapted to the dry, sandy environment include little bluestem, penstemon, prairie dropseed, sand reed grass, gramma grass, silky prairie clover, among others. Rare sea-beach needlegrass occurs in several of the blowouts; purple sand grass, on bare sand areas; Illinois tick trefoil and long-bearded hawkweed occur occasionally throughout the entire site. Louisiana broomrape and Hill's thistles are also found here. Blue racers, an uncommon Minnesota snake, and prairie skinks live here. This site was a gift from Ashland Inc.

Bird List

Plant List