The site is located at the junction of Wisconsin’s Western Prairie and Forest Transition Ecological Landscapes.  At this site we have examples of three major habitats types: hardwood conifer forest, oak forest, and tallgrass prairie.  Pre-settlement vegetation on the site, as recorded by early land surveyors, contained remnants of habitats indicative of all three habitat types. The habitat diversity of the existing site is also varied due to location, topography, and limited alteration by man. The most significant alterations, over time, have been the use of part of the site for agriculture, development of the southern one-third of the site as a ski resort, the lack of natural fires (thus only remnants of native prairie) and some timber harvest, as recently as 1990/1991.

Site surveys indicate there are at least 250 plant species representing 140 families on this site. There is a ten-acre hillside prairie containing an exceptional stand of Besseya bullii, or Kittentail. Cream gentian Gentiana flavida is found in the southmost old field, and bog bluegrass Poa paludigena is limited to seep areas at the base of hills along the St. Croix River. The same survey found 52 bird species on site during the month of June 1989. Other bird surveys found 92 species on site including the state-threatened cerulean warbler Dendroica cerulea. 

The National Park Service holds scenic easements on 323 acres of the site, along its western edge. Beaver Valley Boy Scout Camp, Inc. owns a 27-acre parcel within a ravine midway (north and south) on the western edge.

The old Engelwood Ski Area, which was in operation during the 1950s and 60s, is a great place to hike. Located on the southern portion of the property, you can still see many of the old ski runs (look for the remains of the rope tows). The views from the tops of these hills are spectacular. A path cuts through the old ski area to the river.

Just north of the ski area, at the eastern edge of the property, is a hillside prairie that contains a remarkable variety of prairie plants and grasses.

In the maple Basswood ecosystem at the north end of the property there is a former road that now serves as a trail toward the river. This is a fun trail for cross-country skiing with beautiful views of the St. Croix Valley.

There are two points on the property where direct access is available to the backwaters of the Lower St. Croix River. One is at the far south of the property, and the other at the far north end.

We set a 5km xc ski track starting at the main Engelwood parking lot when there is enough snow, but you can ski on any trail.  In winter share the trail – don’t walk on set xc ski tracks.