Nature Via Water By Jac Talcott

NATURE VIA WATER

By Jac Talcott, WLAC Watershed Stewardship Coordinator

Whether you live here year-round or you are only up for a couple of weeks, it is likely that all of us will be in the water at some point this summer. Our attraction to Walloon’s blue-green beauty is aided by the help of three major tributaries filtering water into the lake. These tributaries would not be as effective today without the accomplishment of multiple land protection projects throughout our organization’s history. In addition to protection, we have gained many opportunities researching and monitoring their water quality and habitats. Let’s take a moment to highlight and learn more about our key water-bound nature areas that can be accessed and viewed around the lake.

MILL POND NATURE AREA

When many people think of viewing a pristine wildlife habitat on Walloon Lake, Mill Pond at the top of the West Arm is often first to come to mind. The Mill Pond Nature Area has been one of our most recent protection efforts, and we now protect 38 acres of hardwood conifer forest, mixed hardwood swamp and over 2,100 feet of natural shoreline. This preserve acts as a habitat for many different forms of wildlife due to its diversity in natural communities. For many Wallooners, the overnight camping excursion on this land during Camp Daggett’s Summer Program is fondly remembered, and it is a tradition that will still carry on under our care. While we do not allow camping or land access to the general public, this property may be viewed from the water from the water and can best be enjoyed via kayak or paddle board.

SCHOOF’S CREEK NATURE AREA

If you are looking for a fun-filled water adventure, look no further than journeying up Schoof’s Creek, located at the tip of the North Arm. This 153-acre nature area was formed through two land acquisition projects from 1994 to 1996. The entire area is a delineated wetland and creates the ultimate water buffer for the hilly agricultural areas that lie north of the lake. This preserve acts as a habitat for muskrats, otters, turtles, great blue heron, kingfishers, wood ducks and several other species of birds. Within this nature area, a section of Schoof's Creek, just over a half-mile long, allows paddlers the opportunity to adventure upstream.

SHADOW TRAILS NATURE AREA

The cozy South Bay is home to one of Walloon Lake’s most direct inlets, Fineout Creek. This area marks where our organization acquired its first preserve in 1980, the Walloon South Bay Association Preserve. The Shadow Trails Nature Area is a combined 33 acres under one management plan which completely protects the Fineout Creek mouth all the way to the nearest road crossing. Within the lake frontage, critical wetlands and creek beds, this area serves as a habitat for beavers, bald eagles, waterfowl and a variety of fish species. While the creek itself does not provide a long trip, it is a pleasant area to kayak or paddle for viewing wildlife and taking in some of our most pristine natural communities.