Notes From The Naturalist

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is home to an incredible diversity of plants, animals and fungi. Whether it is spring wildflowers, summer butterflies, fall colors, or the quiet winter snows, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute offers you an excellent opportunity to interact with the natural world. There are over 7 miles of hiking trails to explore the 661 acres of the Institute. Hiking trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. There is no fee to use the trails.

Fall Highlights (for reference with the trail map):

• Green Trail:The area was recently mowed and will be planted this fall with prairie wild flowers. Continue watching this space over the next couple years as the prairie develops.
• Orange Trail: The prairie grasses will reach their height of beauty in the fall. Look for the bronzed colors of the big bluestem, Indian grass, and switchgrass.
• Yellow Trail: Song birds that make the forest edge their home, such as indigo buntings, can be seen where the trail enters the woods.
• Blue Trail:
• The goldenrods and asters are also in bloom throughout the fall. Enjoy their colors in the open areas at the beginning of the trail.
• Red Trail:The effects of this spring’s prescribed burn can still be seen along the trail, though the falling leaves will begin to return some of the leaf litter in the burned areas.
• White Trail:
• Look for small oak trees at the beginning of the loop section. These trees are a popular winter food source for rabbits and deer. The annual pruning these trees receive give them their unique shrubby look.

Natural Features

Lightbox slideshow

Resources:

Species Inventory.
Upcoming Educational Programs.
Ask The Naturalist - Have your questions about the natural world answered by our Interpretive Naturalist.
Research Findings - Find out about undergraduate research projects that have been conducted on the property.
Recommended Readings - A listing of Books and reference materials that will assist with your enjoyment of the natural world.

“We are a proud partner with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics”

“Year of Science”website