Bluewing Pool Trail
A 3.4 km trail through the marsh, meadow area and some limited woodlot and edge habitat. Numerous plants, trees, birds, butterflies, frogs, turtles and mammals can be observed and studied. A highlight is the Whistler Viewing Stand, that allows a panoramic view of the marshland.
Take a walk on the Bluewing Dyke Trail and check out Mallards and Wood Ducks, plus shorebirds like the Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and Spotted Sandpiper. Butterfly species abound as well with Monarch, Tiger and Black Swallowtail, and Northern Crescent highlighting the group. What about frogs and turtles? How about Leopard Frogs and Bullfrogs, plus Painted Turtles and more. Deer, muskrat, beaver and even mink can be observed here as well. Bring you binoculars and a comfortable pair of shoes/boots.
Trees species include Lombardy Poplar, Ash, Ironwood and Silver Maple. Plants are represented terrestrially by Aster, Common Milkweed, Queen Anne's Lace, Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, Burdock, Teasel and Jewelweed. More aquatic species are Cattail, Soft-stemmed Bulrush, Arrowhead, and Swamp Milkweed which are emergent plants. Plus the submergent Coontail, Milfoil, and Chara.
The Bluewing Pool Trail will help to clarify how everything works together in the marsh ecosystem. Happy learning!