wood lake nature center

Trails were open until late night, so I stayed past sundown - to birdwatch. Lots of ducks (especially wood ducks) this time of year. Love the different kinds of habitat in a relatively small area.

My friend and I walked a 2.7 mile loop around the lake (see picture from my fit bit) which took 1 hr and 7 min. This is a flat trail, so relatively easy. The outside has tree coverage with the trail going through small wooded forest areas. the middle of the park is more open land with a marsh and boardwalk bridge (picture). When we went some of the areas were flighty flooded due to heavy rain, but we just walked around it in the shallow areas. There are lots of animals. We saw a deer, beaver, birds, ducks... This is a great place to go if you want to get in a 3 mile hike at a less crowded trail (vs Calhoun etc).

When you are there, you'll never know that you are almost in the middle of the city except a faint traffic hum. This is really a great nature preserve and the people who work and volunteer there are very nice.

Wood Lake Nature Center is little more than a large natural habitat with a walking trail around the perimeter. It is a pleasant walk but there is nothing labelled. With a little more educational emphasis this could be an interesting place. It has a couple of benches along the path but nothing more.

You will be glad you did. Take the time to go see this and walk the trails. It is absolutely AMAZING!! Tucked away in the middle of the busy city is this reservation, preserved so very well. God has so much beauty in this one little spot. Tall, Tall trees, like a forest in there, and yet there is a march and SURPRIZE, they have a floating dock that allows you to walk THROUGH the middle of the marsh and reeds!! So much fun. Pay close attention to when you first walk on the path, look up for a most beautiful surprize. To me it looked identical to a calendar page that I have had. Be sure you are not in a hurry, because you do not want to miss anything. I did notice that it is stroller friendly.