Wetlands

 

 (picture from Pike's Peak, looking north at Splitter Dike)

 

            Wetlands are unique, and are one of the most endangered habitats throughout the country.  Wetlands are defined as:  “An area where water is at near or above the land surface long enough to be capable of supporting aquatic or hydrophilic (water loving) vegetation and which has soils indicative of wet conditions.”

 

The Navarino Wildlife Area has 3,900 acres of bush swamp and 2,000 acres of Marsh habitat.  Water management on the Wildlife Area controls 15 flowages that flood 1,415 acres, most of which is located between the Wolf River and Shioc River.

 

Navarino Wildlife Area marshes and flowages provide habitat to many wildlife species including:  muskrat, beaver, otter, mink, wood ducks, mallards, blue-winged teal, Canada geese, Sandhill cranes, great blue herons, song birds, frogs, and turtles.

 

Navarino Nature Center offers students the opportunity to observe aquatic insects and amphibians, as well as visit a marsh and bog.

 

Observation blind on Mc Donald Road allows visitors to view wildlife in semi-seclusion.