Wetland trail now walkable again

We finally found time to remow the wetland trail that forms a loop between the end of the Boardwalk and the barn. The interns did this on their last day, assisted by Amanda, Susan, and Ben. With all the rain we have had this summer the trail was fairly overgrown, so it took all morning to get it in shape.

The map shows the general route. Starting at the Parking follow the lane along the Valley Prairie until you get to the barn, where the mowed trail starts (or ends). At the end of the mowed section follow the Boardwalk back to the Crane Prairie, where you pick up the lane again. Follow the lane to the end of the Crane Prairie, then go back to your car along Pleasant Valley Road. (A bit over a mile walk.) This gives you a chance to see the wetland both closeup and afar, and also enjoy the tallgrass prairie on the south slope.

A pair of cranes has been present all summer. Also, while mowing the trail the interns and Susan saw a Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), an endangered species.