Nature Trail
   
Mulched paths, which are also marked by yellow ribbons, direct you through the woodland trail.

Our nature trail showcases the natural beauty of our valley. The trail takes you along farm fields, springs which are source of the creek and the creek bottoms. One of the springs turns into a quiet brook which feeds into the creek at the bottom of a natural ravine which is full of lush ferns, mosses and the giant leaves of skunk cabbage. The creek bottoms change seasonally, with wild marsh marigolds -- also known as cowslips -- in the spring and other foliage.

Wildflowers are abundant in spring, including the rare wild lupine, which is the only habitat of the endangered Karner Blue butterfly. There are several wild apple trees which perfume the air in spring. Wild columbine, wild phlox and mayflowers dot the roadside.

You are certain to see some of our abundant wildlife, which include deer, turkey, rabbits, squirrels and hawks, along with many bird species. You may also hear the drumming sounds of a partridge.

Benches are available on some spots along the trail for you to relax, reflect and enjoy the wonders of nature. These spots also make wonderful locations for a picnic lunch or dinner. Two picnic tables are placed along the trail for your use. Bring your own bottle of wine to make it special. We have picnic baskets and blankets available. We also have muck boots, if you wish, when the creek bottoms are damp.
 
  Another view of the fern glen.
Two views of the fern glen and the spring-fed brook that drains into Little Creek. Many springs on our land provide water for the creek.

This bench is a quiet spot to sit in the fern glen. Rare wild lupines are habitat for the endangered Karner Blue butterfly.
This bench, (left) accessed across stepping stones, is a perfect place to sit, relax and reflect while enjoying the beauty of the fern glen. Rare wild lupines (right) are habitat for the endangered Karner Blue butterfly.
Mother Nature puts on a show with her numerous wildflowers.
Mother Nature puts on a show with her numerous wildflowers.
Little Creek, left, flows through our valley. Aster novae-angliae, right, is a common Wisconsin wildflower.
Various species of moss, left, populate our woodland ecosystem. Orange fungi, right, add vibrant color to our woodland forest floor.
Our hiking trail offers a chance to follow animal tracks through the snow and to experience the icy wonders of Little Creek. This fast-moving creek rarely freezes over completely in winter.
Green vegetation in this spring in the creek bottoms grows despite the extreme cold of winter. Deer and other animal tracks can be seen criss-crossing our farm fields after a winter snowfall.
Marsh marigolds, left, also known as cowslips, bloom in profusion along our creek bed in early May. Skunk cabbages emerge in spring and will be lush in foliage during the summer. Both thrive in the moist conditions of the creek bottoms, making them unique to that environment.