70-Acre Nature Preserve To Open Next Month

MIDLAND (WWJ/AP) - An opening event is planned next month for a 70-acre nature preserve that includes wetlands and forest areas in Midland County.

The Little Forks Conservancy in 2012 purchased Forestview Natural Area, located across the Tittabawassee River from its 419-acre Riverview Natural Area. The public opening has been scheduled for Oct. 12 at the Forestview Natural Area, which includes a 1.25-mile trail loop.

"The riverbank is a known roosting spot for bald eagles," Doug Koop, the conservancy's executive director, said in a statement.

Last fall, volunteers from CPI Engineering kicked off trail construction. Boy Scouts Matthew Painter, Justin Hoffman and Matthew Pawley each led Eagle Scout projects to place boardwalks along the trail. Cade Sponseller led an Eagle Scout Project to build a bridge.

"It's been a team effort to create this trail," Koop said.

The conservancy's stewardship team, headed by volunteers Ed Elliott and Glenn Sanford, worked to mark the trail and clean up the area. The property is home to many species of reptiles and other amphibians, and the forest area includes a ridge of hemlock and white pine.

For more information, visit www.littleforks.org.

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