Explore the Outdoors

Nature Trail

Abby, Madelyn, and Ava's Silver Award Project — 20 stops of Clinton County's flora and fauna

Full Trail Guide (PDF) Property Map (PDF)
1

Bald Cypress Tree

Tend to grow along rivers and soak up floodwaters. They trap pollutants. Some amphibians use bald cypress swamps as breeding grounds.

2

Mussels

Many mussels in the lake! Most stay in one place their whole life. They have kidneys, a stomach, a mouth, and gills.

3

Willow Oak

Deciduous tree in the red oak group. Can grow above 100 feet tall with a 3–6 foot trunk and dense, oval crown.

4

Importance of Dead Trees

Great habitats for insects, amphibians, mammals, reptiles, fungi, and many other organisms.

5

Wildflowers

Food sources and ecosystem foundations for birds, pollinators, and small animals. Bloom in spring or summer.

6

Pollinators

Pollinator areas feed bees, butterflies, and birds. Found in prairies, gardens, and urban areas.

7

Hackberry Tree

Susceptible to fire but quickly replaced. Provides good cover for deer and many bird species.

8

Eastern Cottonwood

Grows very fast in fall with curved upper branches. Can reach 100 feet tall!

9

Turtles

Snapping, Green Ear, Soft Shell, and Box Turtles — each with unique attributes.

10

Eastern White Pine

Resembles a Christmas tree. Seeds are tasty for birds and small animals.

11

Loblolly Trees

Can live over 200 years! Used for furniture and flooring. Resin makes remedies.

12

Shagbark Hickory

Bark always looks like it's peeling. Leaves resemble pointy clovers.

13

Persimmon Tree

Orange fruits in late summer. Each tree is unique in temperature tolerance.

14

Black Cherry Tree

Edible cherries, but use caution. Trees produce berries from age 10 to 100!

15

Birds

American Robins and Northern Cardinals. The Cardinal has vibrant red feathers.

16

Dragonflies

Eat mosquitoes and feed fish. They reduce the need for pesticides!

17

Mammals

Deer, rabbits, turkeys, and skunks. Skunks eat rattlesnakes and gophers.

18

Sycamore Trees

American Plane Tree. Reaching 160+ feet with big jagged 3-5 lobed leaves.

19

Sweet Gum Trees

Timber and resin resource. Sharp 5-7 lobed leaves. Up to 150 feet tall.

20

The Night Sky

See all the stars, hear crickets and frogs, spot owls. Unforgettable.