48 Grass
River Natural Area
wildlife viewing
| directions and facility information
This site contains a well-developed network
of trails, boardwalks, and observation platforms along Finch Creek and
the Grass River. The trails showcase
beautiful scenery and wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities starting
in upland forests, leading along stream corridors, then down into
tamarack swamps and sedge meadows along the river. These trails are very
good for cross-country skiing. Winter is an excellent time to see tracks
of deer, snowshoe hare, fox, coyote, and bobcat. Portions of the trail
are barrier free.
 Barred owls are common at Grass River.
Owls are one of the few kinds of predators that will catch and eat
skunks. Like most birds, owls have a very poor sense of smell, so they
are not deterred by the skunk’s well-known defense.
Photo: MIDNR.
 Wildlife
Viewing
Great-horned and barred owls are common
throughout this area. You can hear them hooting at night almost year
round. Bald eagles nest in large trees on the Grass River
and they are seen frequently during the summer. Many species of warblers
nest on the area as well and stop to feed on the area during spring and
fall migration. Loons nest on nearby Clam Lake.
Since the trails cross through a diversity of habitats, they provide for
ideal bird watching opportunities. Bring a canoe and float quietly along
the wetlands of the Grass River down to Clam Lake.
You may see a variety of aquatic wildlife on your trip, including river
otters, muskrats, mink, and waterfowl. A seasonal interpretive center is
open from mid-June through Labor Day, and guided hikes are available.
Call ahead for availability and ask for a copy of the interpretive trail
brochure. Of the site’s 1,143 acres, 223 acres are closed to hunting and
920 acres are open to hunting and fishing.
Portions of this area
are open to public hunting.
Contact the michigan
department of natural resources for affected seasons and locations.
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