donges bay gorge - mequon, wi
Donges Bay Gorge has been on my list to explore for quite some time. This Treasure of Oz was so worth the effort! The first truly warm day in March was the perfect opportunity. Although the parking lot is tiny (it fits just 4 vehicles) you can park at Virmond Park, a county park just up the road (it's well worth the visit, too). There is no street parking allowed in the area.
This historic lakeshore property was once owned by the Kurth family. Thanks to their diligence, it's 23 acres make up and continue to provide important natural habitat for rare plants, flowers, a large variety of native trees, and an abundance of wildlife. A few of the architectural features from the original residential property remain, including a unique stone culvert bridge, and a stone pool house, which is beautifully incorporated into the landscape.
The trail here includes the walk from the parking lot to the pool house area, past bluff views of Lake Michigan, through the stunning Wendy's Way woodland trail, which loops back to the entrance road near the ravine bridge. Total distance I walked was about 1.5 miles. Though I backtracked a bit for second looks.
The preserve borders along the Lake Michigan migratory flyway, so it's a prime spot for birdwatching during spring and fall migration. There were woodpeckers, and chickadees calling as I walked the trail. On my way back to the parking lot I had my first spring sighting of an Eastern Bluebird. A pair of bald eagles have been successfully nesting here, though I did not spot them. Perhaps another time.
Other wildlife that find refuge and sustaining habitat here are deer, wild turkeys, songbirds, fox, raccoons, opossum, waterfowl, woodland mice, and squirrels. Sightings of pileated woodpeckers, and a bobcat, have been made along the nearby lakeshore.
I can't stress enough how beautiful the woodland walk was here. Peaceful, too, with the lake breeze, and the sounds of Lake Michigan waves hitting the shore. The views of the winding ravine along the woodland path were breathtaking. A walk at Donges Bay Gorge is a great example of the natural beauty we are surrounded by here in Wisconsin. One that we should treasure and sustain for generations to come.
Location: 10370 W. Wildwood Ct., Mequon, WI (Ozaukee County)
For more information, click here.
This historic lakeshore property was once owned by the Kurth family. Thanks to their diligence, it's 23 acres make up and continue to provide important natural habitat for rare plants, flowers, a large variety of native trees, and an abundance of wildlife. A few of the architectural features from the original residential property remain, including a unique stone culvert bridge, and a stone pool house, which is beautifully incorporated into the landscape.
The trail here includes the walk from the parking lot to the pool house area, past bluff views of Lake Michigan, through the stunning Wendy's Way woodland trail, which loops back to the entrance road near the ravine bridge. Total distance I walked was about 1.5 miles. Though I backtracked a bit for second looks.
The preserve borders along the Lake Michigan migratory flyway, so it's a prime spot for birdwatching during spring and fall migration. There were woodpeckers, and chickadees calling as I walked the trail. On my way back to the parking lot I had my first spring sighting of an Eastern Bluebird. A pair of bald eagles have been successfully nesting here, though I did not spot them. Perhaps another time.
Other wildlife that find refuge and sustaining habitat here are deer, wild turkeys, songbirds, fox, raccoons, opossum, waterfowl, woodland mice, and squirrels. Sightings of pileated woodpeckers, and a bobcat, have been made along the nearby lakeshore.
I can't stress enough how beautiful the woodland walk was here. Peaceful, too, with the lake breeze, and the sounds of Lake Michigan waves hitting the shore. The views of the winding ravine along the woodland path were breathtaking. A walk at Donges Bay Gorge is a great example of the natural beauty we are surrounded by here in Wisconsin. One that we should treasure and sustain for generations to come.
Location: 10370 W. Wildwood Ct., Mequon, WI (Ozaukee County)
For more information, click here.
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