Abundant reproduction of white, red, and black oaks occurs on a thin-soiled ridge over St. Peter sandstone. Nearly 300 species of vascular plants have been observed in the forest. More than 40 species of birds have nested on the site. Approximately 70 acres of the site is designated a Forestry Demonstration and Research Area. Prescibed fire, timber harvest, and exotic species removal will employed in this portion of the natural area.
Trail maintenance is done regularly.
There seems to be no history of grazing, but a fire burned through the forest in 1921. This portion of the Jackson School Forest is managed as a natural area. Different forestry techniques are demonstrated in a portion of the forest to the west. The site is used extensively for environmental education by groups from the public schools, the university, and the region. This site was designated a state natural area in May 1980.