The Dukes Research Natural Area is a 233-acre (0.94 square kilometer) area of northern hardwood forest inside the 5,000-acre (20 square kilometer) Upper Peninsula Experimental Forest. This forest is part of the Hiawatha National Forest in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In 1974, the Dukes Research Natural Area was named a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Ecology

The National Park Service describes the Upper Peninsula Experimental Forest as "a swamp with white cedar and other cone-bearing trees, and old hardwood trees that have grown for many years." The Dukes Research Natural Area includes several groups of hardwood trees that grow on higher ground within the swamp where water drains easily. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) describes the Natural Area as an example of "thick and mature northern hardwood forests that have remained untouched for more than 90 years." Before 1920, logging changed the environment of the Upper Peninsula significantly.

The USFS notes that the National Natural Landmark includes black ash, yellow birch, American elm, eastern hemlock, red maple, and sugar maple trees.

Today

The Upper Peninsula Experimental Forest and the Dukes Research Natural Area are located along M-94 on the far eastern side of Marquette County. These areas are about 10 miles west of Chatham.

The Dukes Research Natural Area covers 233 acres and acts as a reference area for the experimental forest. Logging continues in the experimental forest.

The presence of mature trees, such as black ash, American elm, and eastern hemlock, in the Natural Area is important. These tree species have been harmed by invasive species in other parts of their natural ranges.