Features along the Trails
The Seven Ponds are seven small glacial lakes which are connected
by streams and channels. The lakes are steep-sided and several
are over thirty feet deep. The nature center is named after this
beautiful lake system. The lakes are reached by taking one of
the trails leading downhill from the Interpretive Building.
The Teaching Platform is a large dock on the shore of Treetop
Pond. It is a good place to begin a visit.
The A-Frame Bridge crosses the channel between Treetop
and Little Ponds. The bridge is a great place to observe birds
and other wildlife. It also provides an excellent view of the
nature center's wetlands.
Big Pond Observation Platform overlooks the largest of
the Seven Ponds and provides the best view of ducks and geese
on this large lake.
Paul's Woods is a mature forest of sugar maple, oak, hickory,
and beech. It is home to woodland wildflowers, ferns, and a variety
of animals, especially birds.
Miller Pond Boardwalk winds along the shore and provides
access to interesting swamp forest habitat. A small platform on
the north end overlooks a beaver lodge that is frequently active.
Earl's Prairie is a reconstruction of a rare Michigan plant
community and features many native wildflowers. This nine-acre
area is especially showy during summer and early fall when plants
are blooming.
The North-80 is an eighty acre area located across the
road from the nature center's entrance. A network of trails takes
hikers through fields, thickets, and forest. Map posts are located
at each junction of the trail system to aid navigation. These
trails are popular with cross-country skiers.
Waterfowl Pond is located in the North-80 and is an excellent
place to view many forms of wildlife, including ducks, herons,
muskrat, and beaver.
The Butterfly Garden is located in the driveway circle.
Its plants provide nectar for butterflies and other insects, and
serve as hosts for butterfly larvae.
The Herb Garden is located in the driveway circle. This
garden displays plants used by our forebearers for food, medicine,
potpourri, and dyes.
The Woodland Wildflower Garden contains a nice variety
of spring woodland wildflowers and ferns. The garden is located
below the Interpretive
Building.
For information on the center's Jonathan Woods Preserve
go to the Jonathan Woods page.
Guidelines for the Trails
Seven Ponds Nature Center is a very special place. It is a nature
sanctuary, providing habitat for a variety of living things. All
plants and animals are protected. The nature center also serves
as a peaceful retreat for its visitors. Here, a person can get
away from some of the problems of our increasingly complex world,
even if for only a little while. As you travel the nature center's
trails today, please remember:
- Stay on the trails. Leaving the trail injures plants, disturbs
animals, and destroys animal homes.
- Walk slowly and quietly. You will increase your chances of
observing animals and noticing wildflowers and other features.
- Picking or collecting plants is prohibited. Leave everything
where you found it for other visitors to enjoy.
- Supervise children at all times.
- Leave the nature center better than you found it. Pick up
litter and return it to the building or your car for disposal.
- Pets, horses, smoking, bikes, and motorized vehicles are
not allowed on the trails.
- There is no picnicking along the trails. Picnic tables are
located adjacent to the nature center parking lot.
- Hunting, fishing, or trapping is not allowed.
- Leave only footprints, take only photographs and memories.
- Return often. Each season has its own beauty, each moment
is unique.
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