MICHIGAN BOTANICAL CLUB

SOUTHWESTERN CHAPTER FIELD TRIP

Hidden Pond Preserve

Saturday August 27, 2022, 10 AM to Noon

Hidden Pond Preserve is a 67-acre Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC) property.  Natural features include an expansive and ongoing prairie and oak savannah restoration, a small, forested creek with a marsh at one end, and an unexpected upland pond.  Since acquiring it in 2010, SWMLC has worked to restore the property’s original prairie habitat through prescribed burns, invasive vegetation removal, and seeding the broad slopes with native grasses and forbs.  Efforts are also being made to restore the property’s original hydrology and restore Tyden Creek to a more natural condition.  You can find more information about Hidden Pond Preserve here: https://swmlc.org/project/hidden-pond-preserve/

Mowed trails (0.5 miles) go through open grassland and along forest edges, over a stream, then up a long, gradual hill to a restored prairie and pond. 

There may be mosquitoes and ticks at this time of year.  Insect repellant, sunscreen, as well as suitable clothing are suggested.  Bring rubber boots if you want to explore the pond or creek.  The trip difficulty level is rated moderate.

Directions from the Kalamazoo area.  Go north on M-43 to Delton.  North of Delton, turn west onto Stevens Rd., which turns into Miller Rd.  Follow Miller Rd. as it winds west and then north, ending in about 2 miles at Guernsey Lake Rd.  Take a short jog east onto Guernsey Lake Rd, then turn north onto Otis Lake Rd.  Follow Otis Lake Rd. for about 3.4 miles (the road will turn into a dirt road at 2 miles); the preserve will be on the west side of the road. If you get to Sager Rd., you’ve gone too far. For GPS purposes, the address is approximately: 42.59100110747507, -85.40916441558936