The Nature Conservancy in Michigan is hosting a guided hike at its Paw Paw Prairie Fen Preserve on Saturday. The hike is free and includes cider and donuts from 10 am until noon. The preserve is off Van Kal Avenue in Mattawan and people need to register before the event. The hike will be a mile and a half over wide, flat, and well-packed terrain. Those attending should bring a water bottle, wear waterproof boots and plan on layering since it may be chilly in the morning but get warmer as the day progresses. It’s best to check the weather before heading to the preserve, just to be safe.
According to BirdCast, Van Buren County is at its peak for migrating songbirds heading south for the winter, making this weekend a perfect time to catch a glimpse of the hundreds of different bird species that have stopped off at the preserve to rest before continuing their journey. Birdwatchers, either novice or professional, should bring binoculars to improve their chances of spotting some of our feathered friends. TNC acquired the preserve in 2004 to protect the rare wetland communities at the site. The fen was destined to become a housing development before TNC stepped in.
Photo credit: Paw Paw Prairie Fen Preserve. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media
