Forest Beach Migratory Preserve, Belgium Wisconsin

See a YouTube slideshow HERE.

Located along Lake Michigan in the town of Belgium, Forest Beach Migratory Preserve is 116 acres. This preserve contains a 5-acre hardwood forest with ephemeral (seasonal) ponds, open grassland and prairie, a partially wooded ravine and 5 constructed wetland ponds. The site was previously a golf course but OWLT purchased the land because the property’s location and attributes lend itself to supporting migratory birds along the Lake Michigan Flyway. Immediately upon acquisition in 2008, the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust began stewardship activities including invasive and exotic plant control.

Today the preserve hosts a "patchwork quilt" of habitats that support all kinds of migratory birds, reptiles and mammals. An interpretive trail system invites visitors to meander through the preserve learning about the restoration efforts and the unique restored habitats. Visit this preserve to hike, bird watch, fish, hunt or cross country ski.

See a YouTube slideshow HERE.

Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve

View the YouTube slide show HERE.

Also, please make sure to check out older posts on the link at the bottom of this listing.

Stroll across bridges over the gorge or down the gorge stairways to walk along the Lake Michigan shoreline - Lions Den park offers tremendous views. This 73-acre park offers plenty of hiking trails, boardwalks through the wetlands, picnic areas, scenic views, and restrooms

Over 1/2 mile of 90- to 100-foot bluffs look out onto Lake Michigan, offering tremendous viewing opportunities for residents and visitors. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is also adjacent to a 44-acre wetland complex owned by United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for enhancing populations of migratory birds and other wildlife.

Lions Den Gorge is a pleasure to behold with easily navigated trails.

But if you want to get down to the beach, you will have to take the stairs.

The Bluff Trail is the most scenic and offers views of Lake Michigan at many points.

I particularly like this Park since it is close to my home in Milwaukee and always offers a variety of seasonal photo ops. From a health aspect, nature surely puts the mind and soul at ease. The length of the trails and the stairs down to the beach provide just the right amount of exercise one could want.

View the YouTube slide show HERE.