Saturday, April 16, 2011

Yarmouth Natural Heritage Area

With the return of warmer weather, many local hiking adventures await us.  This week we enjoyed a leisurely hike thorugh Yarmouth Natural Heritage Area.  It is located along Catfish Creek with the entrance and parking off Sparta Line (47502 Sparta Line).  The area offers hiking rails through the wooded section, prairie grass, around the pond, and along the creek - VARIETY.  There were Canada Geese nesting in the pond with its many ‘islands’, and the occasional Hooded Merganser swimming and diving.  Two guys were trying their luck at fishing in the stream. Frogs in the pond sang their welcome as we passed and blue dragonfly skittered along the trail.  The Spring Beauty were in bloom in the woods along the bank of the creek. I love Spring!  The trees have not yet leafed out – it can only get better and I’ll be back again to take a shaded walk.
This 208 acre site was acquired by Catfish Creek Conservation Area in 2000, and with the efforts and donations of several groups and individuals has been restored to its natural heritage.  I remember going through the area in my teenage years back when it was a gravel pit and locals used to dump garbage/old appliances in the area.  This is a dramatic positive change – one that will be enjoyed for generations.  Go alone, with a partner, with the kids or with the dog – all will enjoy.

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