![]() There is plentiful shade when the trees have leaves. Boardwalks are in place to cross the river and wetlands. These compact gravel trails are relatively flat. This area is known for spring ephemeral wildflowers, beautiful red, orange and yellow leaves in the fall and peaceful snowy walks in the winter. Traverse the Woodland Trail to experience the Great Huron Swamp, with its tall trees and vernal pools. Look for wetland birds and turtles as you walk through the dappled shade. This paved trail beginning at the Park Office provides a flat, accessible walk around a wooded pond area. This compact gravel trail has elevation changes and is in full sun. Head to the Outwash Overlook for a panoramic view from the highest point in the park. Native grasses and wildflowers are at their best in late summer and early fall. 75 MILEĮxplore a 60 acre prairie restoration along these two trails. The trail is a short trail beginning at the Environmental Discovery Center, with a mix of shade and sun on this compact gravel and grass trail a well as steep elevation changes. These trails have elevation changes and are in the full sun. In addition to the nature trails described below, there are a few more paths that lead to the Lower Pond boardwalk, a lovely place to view wetlands, and the Native Plant Garden, where a great deal of biodiversity in prairie plants is visible. You can see and touch some of the tools like secchi disks, data loggers, and even hula hoops(!) that are used to scientifically explore the park ecosystems. You can read displays about the research at the park and see the radio transmitter used to track snakes at the park near the eastern massasauga display. The Allegheny mound-builder ants and their life-cycle.The variety of trees that can survive with wet feet.Wetland services like flood prevention, water filtration and wildlife habitat are illustrated using everyday objects on the swamp display.In addition, you will find displays that teach about: Learn how the ecosystem is maintained by fire and watch a video clip of a prescribed burn at this park. Flip-up doors reveal illustrations of animals that burrow in the soil, and a cube of prairie shows how extensive the plant roots are under the wildflowers and grasses seen on the surface. The prairie display features push buttons and photos where you can listen to sounds heard in this ecosystem. It features cattail and arrowhead root plants, a huge leopard frog and a gigantic dragonfly nymph and adult. The centerpiece of the lower level is a massive sculpture highlighting our wetlands. Interpretive staff are available at our front desk on this level to address questions or provide additional information. Other animals such as white-tailed deer, eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, and many duck species are found in the park today. You’ll see a gray wolf and black bear mount that were found in this part of Michigan in pre-settlement times but are now only found further north. Here you can also see taxidermy mounts of Michigan birds and mammals. The first floor entry level of the EDC has two touch tables where you can explore the textures of fossils, feathers, animal pelts, pine cones and other nature artifacts. Displays at the Environmental Discovery Center provide a window into the diversity and uniqueness of the ecosystems found in the park.
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