Sunday Oct 11, we will start on these. Watch your email for details.

From Brian Russert:

How about for something different this month, I give you just a few of our bigger natural areas to explore (no formal trails). They are very cool sites that should have much higher bird numbers and diversity than the current small number of checklists show.

The first site is Oak Creek Pkwy #12 South (eBird Hotspot name). You’d need to park in the Oak Creek police station parking lot on Ryan Road. Walk south along the edge of the mowed grass and crop field and then cut across (heading SW) the farm field to the woods. The site boundaries are in green on the map. 

The second site is part of the Root River Pkwy (Root River #13 in eBird) in Franklin on 60th St just south of Oakwood Road. You’d park along the west side of the road at the old field entrance. Walk through the reforestation area/grassland to the back corner of the woods. The neighbor has some mowed trails in our field that you can use once you get half way back to the woods. The woods is bordered on the north and west by the Root River. Again the property boundary is in green on the attached map. 

The last one is also a section of the Root River Pkwy (Root River #16 in eBird). It’s also in Oak Creek and is located on S 13th St south of Oak Wood Rd. It’s easiest to park on the west side of the road (wider shoulder) and walk across the street entering the woods just behind the guard rail. Definitely need water proof boot for part of this one. Follow the river and woods east to the railroad track. You’ll need to cross the tracks and a small stream to get to the eastern most portion of this woods. See map of suggested path (in white) to walk the site.

Make sure anyone going to them cleans their boots/shoes first. Garlic mustard isn’t very common at these sites because they aren’t heavily used by the public. We would want to start any new invasive populations. 

If you have any questions please let me know. If you decide to go to these sites during the week let me know and maybe I can join you. Enjoy exploring the hidden areas of the Park System! These are some real gems.

Brian Russart

Natural Areas Supervisor