Huron-Clinton Metroparks

This oxbow prairie helps ot store excess water from the Huron River that might otherwise lead to flooding. This storage helps to filter water and improve water quality. This can sometimes lead to a buildup of sediment over time. How does the oxbow change over time? 

Oxbow Prairie

Washago Pond doesn't look much like a pond anymore- a breach in the dam that created it caused the pond to slowly empty. Now, a habitat restoration project is taking place. Instead of replacing the dam, the original will reconnect to the Huron River, creating wildlife habitat and scenic views for people. What signs of wildlife returning do you notice?

Washago Pond

This marsh is home to beautiful marsh plants, a large variety of waterfowl and shorebirds, and a host of magnificent mammals. As the seasons change, so does activity within the marsh. Marshes provide habitat, shelter, and food throughout the year and during the summer, are critical nurseries for fish, birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals! What changes do you notice throughout the year? 

Riley Creek Overlook

Watch the seasonal changes to the prairie along Landscape Trail. Fire, used by people for centuries to modify the landscape, is still used today as a tool to encourage prairie plants and the wildlife that depends on them. Do you see any signs of animals? 

Landscape Trail View

This restored marsh helps us keep Lake St Clair clean while providing habitat for wildlife throughout the year. The plants in the marsh help slow the flow of water running off from our parking lots, filter absorb pollutants, and provide shelter and food. How does the marsh change through time? 

Point Rosa Marsh

Vernal pools like these provide critical habitat to Michigan's woodland creatures. Amphibians such as spotted salamander and wood frog depend on these seasonally flooded areas for breeding. What changes do you notice throughout the year? 

Vernal Pool Overlook

Oakwoods Metropark was once home to a unique ecosystem known as a Lakeplain Prairie. Plants like big bluestem, swamp milkweed, and a variety of asters and goldenrods dominated the landscape. Using tools like controlled burns to reduce non-indigenous plants and the encroachment of trees and shrubs, this habitat is returning to Oakwoods. What changes do you notice throughout the year?

Prairie Overlook

This floodplain forest often floods during changes in river levels. This area provides habitat for our native fish and wildlife as abundant breeding and feeding grounds. As the river level changes throughout the seasons do you notice any changes to this floodplain habitat?

Floodplain Forest

The Huron River runs nearly 100 miles from its start near Indian Springs Metropark in White Lake, to where it empties into Lake Erie, just south of Lake Erie Metropark in Brownstown. This section of the river meanders slowly through numerous islands and backwater sloughs, creating a diverse habitat for plants and wildlife. What changes do you notice throughout the year?

Huron River Overlook

The curving shoreline here was reconstructed as part of a grant project through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The project was designed to slow the erosion of the shoreline, improve water quality, and create important fish habitat. What changes do you notice throughout the year?

Big Bend Overlook

The main woods of Dexter-Huron are a special place in the park to find spring ephemerals, the first plants to pop up and flower in spring. With the increase in our deer population and invasive species these spring flowers are becoming harder to spot. Do you observe any native wildflower species? How many invasive species do you spot?

Main Woods

Black Creek Marsh is home to a diverse array of animals and plants. As the water levels in the Great Lakes rise and fall, what changes do you observe? As the seasons progress, do you notice anything about the wildlife habitats and activity in the marsh? 

Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Michigan

12 chronologs managed by Huron-Clinton Metroparks