Grand Rapids
Audubon Club
Maher Sanctuary
Aerial Photograph of Sanctuary
Maher Chairperson:
Melanie Good
LOCATION:
Irving
Township, Barry County, Michigan.
DIRECTIONS:
From
Grand Rapids take I-96 east to Lowell. Exit at the Lowell exit and take
Alden Nash Ave. south to 100th St. Proceed east 1/2 mile on 100th to Baker
Ave. Turn right and go one mile south on Baker, which becomes Woodschool
at 108th St. This is the Barry County line. The Maher Sanctuary is located
on the southwest corner of Woodschool and 108th. Turn right on 108th and
look for the parking area on the left (south) side of the road about 1/4
mile west of Woodschool.
The
Maher Sanctuary contains a series of wetlands surrounded by glacial
features. Wetlands include a sedge meadow, a marl pond, an extensive shrub
swamp and two branches of Caine Creek. There is a nice meadow along the
south loop of the main circle trail. Because of the wetlands, much of this
trail is boardwalk.
VANTAGE
POINTS:
From
the parking area on 108th, a trail leads to the main circle trail. Other
features may be reached from this trail including the trail to the
artesian well in the southeastern corner of the sanctuary and the bridge
across Caine Creek that leaves you on your own.
SPECIES
TO BE SEEN:
A
variety of wetland and woodland birds nest here and migrants pass through.
Common Yellowthroat, Chipping Sparrow and Swamp Sparrow are summer
residents. Nests have been found of Yellow Warbler and Gray Catbird. Look
for Ruffed Grouse in any season.
SPECIAL
SIGHTINGS:
Yellow-breasted Chats have been found near the marl pond. Screech Owls have been found roosting in several locations. Common Snipe may be found "winnowing" over wetlands in spring. Some of the best sightings here are plants, not birds.
HAZARDS:
Wet
feet are likely if you stray from the boardwalk. Even on the trail wet and
muddy areas are possible. Watch for poison ivy growing along the trail and
up through the boardwalk.
GENERAL:
A variety of experiences is possible here. Often more plants are seen than birds, but the plants are generally quite unusual. Some of the bird experiences are very memorable. Frogs, butterflies and other wildlife are common here, and it's always an interesting place for a hike.