I originally posted these hike reports on the Great Lakes Hikes Yahoo Group:
Erie Marsh
01/19/01
Monroe County: Erie Marsh Preserve/Erie State Game Area.
The Woodtick Peninsula in the game area is a 4 mile hike each way. It involves wading in the shallows and ends at an island at North Cape. And campable from Oct. 1 to April 1. And if the state ever got its act together, the peninsula could connect to about 8 or 10 miles of dike in the Nature Conservancy's Erie Marsh and about 2 or 3 miles of dike in Luna Pier. You could hike for 20+ miles with a little effort. Also, two or three more bald eagles nests. Honorable mention: Lighthouse/freighter hike at Pointe Mouillee SGA (10 or 12miles).
01/28/01
Monroe: Erie Marsh/SGA:
Take I-75 to the Erie Rd. exit just a few miles North of the Ohio border. Go East until this road dead ends in a parking lot in sight of a power plant. Hike East until you hit Lake Erie. Begin hiking south to the end of the peninsula. [Note: I was out there this weekend, and winter ice forms a natural bridge into the preserve, allowing for a 10+ mile one-way hike.]
02/04/02
Well, it was a nice day on Sunday, and since I had no power back home, I decided to hike the Erie Marsh south of Monroe. I ended up doing about 10 miles or so, although you could increase the mileage a bit.
The place is owned by the Nature Conservancy and managed by the Erie Shooting Club. So, I'm often greeted by members of the shooting club when I stop in. They are a little protective of the place, but can give good tips on dike conditions. The place is one big diked marsh. So, the wildlife is incredibly diverse. I was constantly being buzzed by hawks and you can see bald eagle nests in some spots. The view of Lake Erie is mostly obscured by the Woodtick Peninsula - the only backpackable Great Lakes shoreline in MetroDetroit - but you can see the lake about halfway through the long loop. You also get good views of inland bays, open pools and creeks. Indian Island is also in the bay - it's the site of an old native American settlement and has been the focus of occasional archaeological research. The Toledo Harbor Light can also be seen.
You really have to pick your spots when hiking here. 20% of the trail I hiked was a big mud pit. It dries out in summer. But that's when the bugs are fierce. This is probably the buggiest place I've ever been in the summer. Once you hit March, you also start hitting endangered species closures.
You can find good maps in the Trail Atlas of Michigan and on the DNR website (Erie State Game Area).
Drawbacks include freeway noise and occasional power plant views. But, it's a nice long hike with lots and lots of wildlife in a place where you will almost certainly see no other hikers.
Monday, August 6, 2007
East Sandusky Bay Preserve
This post first appeared on the Great Lakes Hikes Yahoo Forum:
East Sandusky Bay
01/06/04
The proposed East Sandusky Bay Preserve has expanded by 14 acres. Within the last year, over a thousand acres of land on Lake Erie have been purchased for hiking trails and nature study. This preserve is located a bit east of (Big) Cedar Point.
www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040105/NEWS17/40105003
Additional Links:
http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=13023&folder_id=251
http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=11064&folder_id=251
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/ohio/preserves/art10093.html
http://www.eriemetroparks.org/Whats%20Happening/Master%20Plans/ESB%20Master%20Plans.htm
http://www.greatlakesdirectory.org/oh/010604_great_lakes.htm
East Sandusky Bay
01/06/04
The proposed East Sandusky Bay Preserve has expanded by 14 acres. Within the last year, over a thousand acres of land on Lake Erie have been purchased for hiking trails and nature study. This preserve is located a bit east of (Big) Cedar Point.
www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040105/NEWS17/40105003
Additional Links:
http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=13023&folder_id=251
http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=11064&folder_id=251
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/ohio/preserves/art10093.html
http://www.eriemetroparks.org/Whats%20Happening/Master%20Plans/ESB%20Master%20Plans.htm
http://www.greatlakesdirectory.org/oh/010604_great_lakes.htm
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Blue Creek Conservation Area
The Blue Creek Conservation Area in Whitehouse, OH is a 577 acre site that was once the location of the Toledo House of Corrections - a prison farm. The property is being redeveloped as a Toledo Metropark highlighting both Toledo's farming heritage and the natural values that are present in the land. The park is currently under development and only open during special events.
I have found several references to this location on a few web sites. Here they are:
Toledo.com:
The Blue Creek Conservation Area in Whitehouse is the site of the former Toledo House of Corrections. Metropark is partnering with the Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District and Nature's Nursery to use the site as a center for nature, agriculture and wildlife education and restoration. An adjacent property, known as the Nona France Recreation Area, recently became park of Metroparks and will continue to be used for active recreation under an agreement with the local jurisdiction.
From the official Metoparks web site:
In the next 10 years, the park district plans to open the Fallen Timbers Battlefield in Maumee; the Blue Creek Conservation Area in Whitehouse; the 300-acre addition to Pearson; a 28-acre park on the Maumee River in downtown Toledo known as the Middlegrounds; and a greenway with an all-purpose trail from Secor to Oak Openings Preserve Metroparks.
I posted this entry on the Great Lakes Hikes Yahoo Group when I first learned of Blue Creek:
Whitehouse Metropark
04/20/04
I've never heard of this place before, but the Toledo Metroparks are apparently creating a new 577 acre Metropark near Whitehouse on the site of the old Toledo Workhouse. From what I've read, there is a creek that extends through the property, there is oak savanna habitat and glacial grooves.
It's kind of neat to think about what is happening around Toledo in terms of parks. This site is close to Oak Openings Metropark, the Wabash-Cannonball Railtrail, a series of canal parks and other planned canal trails. You can really see something nice coming together there. And for you NCT lovers, the trail goes right on through.
www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?ID=/20040419/NEWS17/404190377
This is the official Metroparks Blue Creek Conservation Area Page:
http://www.metroparkstoledo.com/metroparks/bluecreek/
I have found several references to this location on a few web sites. Here they are:
Toledo.com:
The Blue Creek Conservation Area in Whitehouse is the site of the former Toledo House of Corrections. Metropark is partnering with the Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District and Nature's Nursery to use the site as a center for nature, agriculture and wildlife education and restoration. An adjacent property, known as the Nona France Recreation Area, recently became park of Metroparks and will continue to be used for active recreation under an agreement with the local jurisdiction.
From the official Metoparks web site:
In the next 10 years, the park district plans to open the Fallen Timbers Battlefield in Maumee; the Blue Creek Conservation Area in Whitehouse; the 300-acre addition to Pearson; a 28-acre park on the Maumee River in downtown Toledo known as the Middlegrounds; and a greenway with an all-purpose trail from Secor to Oak Openings Preserve Metroparks.
I posted this entry on the Great Lakes Hikes Yahoo Group when I first learned of Blue Creek:
Whitehouse Metropark
04/20/04
I've never heard of this place before, but the Toledo Metroparks are apparently creating a new 577 acre Metropark near Whitehouse on the site of the old Toledo Workhouse. From what I've read, there is a creek that extends through the property, there is oak savanna habitat and glacial grooves.
It's kind of neat to think about what is happening around Toledo in terms of parks. This site is close to Oak Openings Metropark, the Wabash-Cannonball Railtrail, a series of canal parks and other planned canal trails. You can really see something nice coming together there. And for you NCT lovers, the trail goes right on through.
www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?ID=/20040419/NEWS17/404190377
This is the official Metroparks Blue Creek Conservation Area Page:
http://www.metroparkstoledo.com/metroparks/bluecreek/
Whitehouse Nature Center - Albion College
The Whitehouse Nature Center on the campus of Albion College is a perfect example of the kind of hiking that is present almost anywhere in southeast and mid-Michigan. The center property is 144 acres in size and contains a variety of environments along the Kalamazoo River. The hiking is not incredible, but it's not bad, either. And there are five or six miles of trail. That's enough for a nice two hour hike.
Here is a hike report that I originally wrote on the Great Lakes Hikes Yahoo Group:
Whitehouse Nature Center
05/25/02
I got out before the storms this morning for an approximately 5 mile loop hike in Albion. The
Whitehouse Center is owned by Albion College and is about 200 acres in size. There are about 5 miles of trail although there are a few small unofficial spurs. Highlights of hiking here include the Kalamazoo River and a small stream. A well-constructed pedestrian bridge over the Kalamazoo is also very pleasant. The trails are easy to hike. Some are grass. Some are dirt. Some pass through old fields. Others skim the river's edge. This is a good place for kids. And it's also a good spot if there is a threat of bad weather and you don't want to get too far off the beaten path. The nature center is also very nice - I almost walked in on a seminar. The trailhead is just to the east of the Albion College football field. Info. can be found in the Trail Atlas of Michigan and the MI Watchable Wildlife Viewing Guide. I'd recommend this place to those within an hour of Albion.
Map:
http://www.albion.edu/naturecenter/map.asp
Trail Guide:
http://www.albion.edu/naturecenter/trails.asp
MI Watchable Wildlife Viewing Guide Entry:
http://www.michigandnr.com/publications/pdfs/wildlife/viewingguide/slp/98Whitehouse/index.htm
Directions to Center:
http://www.albion.edu/naturecenter/location.asp
Here is a hike report that I originally wrote on the Great Lakes Hikes Yahoo Group:
Whitehouse Nature Center
05/25/02
I got out before the storms this morning for an approximately 5 mile loop hike in Albion. The
Whitehouse Center is owned by Albion College and is about 200 acres in size. There are about 5 miles of trail although there are a few small unofficial spurs. Highlights of hiking here include the Kalamazoo River and a small stream. A well-constructed pedestrian bridge over the Kalamazoo is also very pleasant. The trails are easy to hike. Some are grass. Some are dirt. Some pass through old fields. Others skim the river's edge. This is a good place for kids. And it's also a good spot if there is a threat of bad weather and you don't want to get too far off the beaten path. The nature center is also very nice - I almost walked in on a seminar. The trailhead is just to the east of the Albion College football field. Info. can be found in the Trail Atlas of Michigan and the MI Watchable Wildlife Viewing Guide. I'd recommend this place to those within an hour of Albion.
Map:
http://www.albion.edu/naturecenter/map.asp
Trail Guide:
http://www.albion.edu/naturecenter/trails.asp
MI Watchable Wildlife Viewing Guide Entry:
http://www.michigandnr.com/publications/pdfs/wildlife/viewingguide/slp/98Whitehouse/index.htm
Directions to Center:
http://www.albion.edu/naturecenter/location.asp
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Notes
The following notes were originally posted on the Great Lakes Hikes Yahoo Group:
Detroit IWR
07/10/02
Hey guys!
The posts on the two articles about Sleeping Bear, etc. got methinking again about the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. The Fish and Wildlife Service is taking public comment for the first refuge management plan. The refuge currently starts at Zug Island and stretches to the mouth of the River Raisin at Sterling SP in Monroe. Future plans call for the refuge to extend to Sandusky. And the Canadians are working on a similar extention along the DetroitRiver/Lake Erie coast - possibly to Pointe Pelee.
This is one of those long term kind of projects. The FWS is more in coordination on this until it can purchase more shoreline. However,the possible boundaries include Pointe Mouillee SGA, Sterling SP, Erie Marsh Preserve/SGA, West Sister Island Wilderness, Middle Sister Island Provincial Park, Point Pelee NP, Ottawa NWR, Little Cedar Point NWR, Maumee Bay SP and bunches of smaller areas. It's the kind of place that might eventually be really natural again. Lots of it is marshy and old industrial area that is not really all that built up.
Anyway, I went to their public comment session in Monroe recently to ask about trails and they seemed very positive. Of course, it's early. Comments can be made to the Shiawassee NWR office in Saginaw.
07/10/02
Re: Detroit River IWR
Oh, I know. Zug Island is a tough place. Another way to look at it is that the lower Rouge won WWII for America. There was no comparable hub for industry like it in America. And it still is a pretty powerful industrial area. Of course, lots was sacrificed for that.
Still, in terms of ecological diversity, you'd be hard pressed to find a place more valuable than western Lake Erie and the lower Detroit River. It's amazing what is out there. If you'd like to hike out there sometime, I'll take people on tours. I'll bet there are more species of animals/fish/birds/plants in that area than any other section of the state. And those fences keep people away -leaving some habitat undisturbed.
And, Michigan had no trees a hundred years ago. Things can get better with effort.
05/28/03
There was a good article in the Toledo Blade today about the expanded Detroit River IWR and Ottawa NWR complex in the Lake Erie West region. There is a cool map which shows the
project boundaries. This is my home hiking turf. I've spent countless hours on the trails in this complex and just love the fact that the area is expanding. I was at one of the original brainstorming meetings and find it pretty neat to see some of the plans already coming to fruition.
www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030528/NEWS06/105280040
07/06/03
Hello!
The Toledo Blade had a small article about 150 acres that will soon be purchased for the Detroit River Int. Wildlife Refuge near Estral Beach. Add this to the 200+ acres that have recently been transferred to the refuge in the same area and the thousands of acres in the Pointe Mouillee SGA. It's going to be interesting to see this corridor develop. Perhaps it might eventually connect to the Pointe Aux Peaux State Game Area and Sterling State Park.
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030705/NEWS06/107050105/-1/ARCHIVES30
07/08/03
The Michigan Seagrant is a partnership between MSU and U of M that promotes the Great Lakes. They have a website that shows the Greenway projects currently in the works for the Detroit River.
http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/greenways/map.html
09/27/03
Hi guys!
The DRIWR has been expanded by 600 acres. Detroit Edison is turning over 600 acres at Fermi II for wildlife management in the refuge tothe FWS. I'm interested to see what the specifics of this are. Is Detroit Edison donating the land? It doesn't sound like it. Will there be public access? Considering the several times I've tried to visit the Michigan Nature Association Lotus Preserve at the site and been turned away by the guards, I'd doubt it. I do know that the Boy Scouts were working on hiking trails on this land before 911.
So, this could be very good news or not much at all.
Mike
http://www.monroenews.com/articles/2003/09/26/news/news03.txt
09/30/03
The Trust for Public land has taken title to the 400 acre Humbug Marsh - the last undeveloped mile of the Detroit River shoreline. It will become part of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Hooray!
Also, some follow-up on the Fermi property. Apparently, DTE Energy donated the 600 acres around Fermi to the DRIWR. It will not be open to public access in the current security climate.
01/09/04
The City of Monroe planning documents, however, do include plans for trails on the old interurban tracks between Toledo and Detroit. Also, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is off to a fast start. There are many miles of trail along the shore that are unconnected. With a good overall plan, these could be connected for a really nice shoreline route. I could see that happening in the next 20 years.
Detroit IWR
07/10/02
Hey guys!
The posts on the two articles about Sleeping Bear, etc. got methinking again about the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. The Fish and Wildlife Service is taking public comment for the first refuge management plan. The refuge currently starts at Zug Island and stretches to the mouth of the River Raisin at Sterling SP in Monroe. Future plans call for the refuge to extend to Sandusky. And the Canadians are working on a similar extention along the DetroitRiver/Lake Erie coast - possibly to Pointe Pelee.
This is one of those long term kind of projects. The FWS is more in coordination on this until it can purchase more shoreline. However,the possible boundaries include Pointe Mouillee SGA, Sterling SP, Erie Marsh Preserve/SGA, West Sister Island Wilderness, Middle Sister Island Provincial Park, Point Pelee NP, Ottawa NWR, Little Cedar Point NWR, Maumee Bay SP and bunches of smaller areas. It's the kind of place that might eventually be really natural again. Lots of it is marshy and old industrial area that is not really all that built up.
Anyway, I went to their public comment session in Monroe recently to ask about trails and they seemed very positive. Of course, it's early. Comments can be made to the Shiawassee NWR office in Saginaw.
07/10/02
Re: Detroit River IWR
Oh, I know. Zug Island is a tough place. Another way to look at it is that the lower Rouge won WWII for America. There was no comparable hub for industry like it in America. And it still is a pretty powerful industrial area. Of course, lots was sacrificed for that.
Still, in terms of ecological diversity, you'd be hard pressed to find a place more valuable than western Lake Erie and the lower Detroit River. It's amazing what is out there. If you'd like to hike out there sometime, I'll take people on tours. I'll bet there are more species of animals/fish/birds/plants in that area than any other section of the state. And those fences keep people away -leaving some habitat undisturbed.
And, Michigan had no trees a hundred years ago. Things can get better with effort.
05/28/03
There was a good article in the Toledo Blade today about the expanded Detroit River IWR and Ottawa NWR complex in the Lake Erie West region. There is a cool map which shows the
project boundaries. This is my home hiking turf. I've spent countless hours on the trails in this complex and just love the fact that the area is expanding. I was at one of the original brainstorming meetings and find it pretty neat to see some of the plans already coming to fruition.
www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030528/NEWS06/105280040
07/06/03
Hello!
The Toledo Blade had a small article about 150 acres that will soon be purchased for the Detroit River Int. Wildlife Refuge near Estral Beach. Add this to the 200+ acres that have recently been transferred to the refuge in the same area and the thousands of acres in the Pointe Mouillee SGA. It's going to be interesting to see this corridor develop. Perhaps it might eventually connect to the Pointe Aux Peaux State Game Area and Sterling State Park.
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030705/NEWS06/107050105/-1/ARCHIVES30
07/08/03
The Michigan Seagrant is a partnership between MSU and U of M that promotes the Great Lakes. They have a website that shows the Greenway projects currently in the works for the Detroit River.
http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/greenways/map.html
09/27/03
Hi guys!
The DRIWR has been expanded by 600 acres. Detroit Edison is turning over 600 acres at Fermi II for wildlife management in the refuge tothe FWS. I'm interested to see what the specifics of this are. Is Detroit Edison donating the land? It doesn't sound like it. Will there be public access? Considering the several times I've tried to visit the Michigan Nature Association Lotus Preserve at the site and been turned away by the guards, I'd doubt it. I do know that the Boy Scouts were working on hiking trails on this land before 911.
So, this could be very good news or not much at all.
Mike
http://www.monroenews.com/articles/2003/09/26/news/news03.txt
09/30/03
The Trust for Public land has taken title to the 400 acre Humbug Marsh - the last undeveloped mile of the Detroit River shoreline. It will become part of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Hooray!
Also, some follow-up on the Fermi property. Apparently, DTE Energy donated the 600 acres around Fermi to the DRIWR. It will not be open to public access in the current security climate.
01/09/04
The City of Monroe planning documents, however, do include plans for trails on the old interurban tracks between Toledo and Detroit. Also, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is off to a fast start. There are many miles of trail along the shore that are unconnected. With a good overall plan, these could be connected for a really nice shoreline route. I could see that happening in the next 20 years.
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