Information on Traverse City, Michigan and the surrounding Northwest Michigan area

05/26/2006

The North Central Michigan College Natural Area

Not far from downtown, at the end of Howard Street, sits North Central Michigan College. Established in 1958, the campus has grown and changed over the years to better serve the community. One site on-campus that hasn't changed too much, however, is the 195-acre Natural Area.

The Natural Area trailhead can be found behind the Student Community Resource Center and is the gateway to over five miles of trails. These paths wind past a dozen unique habitats including a pond, a grassy meadow, a pine and maple stand, and the Bear River.

The trails are well-suited for both energetic walkers and those out for a leisurely stroll. If you're a serious naturalist, take along your plant and animal identification guidebooks. In particular, birds watchers should note that surveys conducted by local ornithologists and biology classes have identified as many as 34 different bird species on-site. Even rare birds may be glimpsed as evidenced by a recent verified sighting of a King Rail.

Free of charge, the Natural Area is open to the public during daylight hours and is available year-round for hiking. During winter, bring your cross-country skis or your snowshoes. Maps are available at the trailhead.