Greenway arboretum - fond du lac, wi
As I often do, I was scrolling around my map app, this time focusing on the Fond du Lac area. And there on the map, I spotted something intriguing: the Greenway Arboretum. So, I looked it up online and discovered that it is a treasured nature trail along the east branch of the Fond du Lac River. I decided to drive to Fond du Lac and check it out.
I have a soft spot for green spaces that seem to be plunked right down in the middle of commercial areas. Though, in reality, businesses and communities tend to grow up around them. Parking for the Greenway Arboretum is on the west side of the Pick 'n Save parking lot. Park in the last row, just opposite the Salvation Army Thrift Store, and you can't miss the entrance sign.
The Arboretum is 14 acres of natural habitat along the east branch of the Fond du Lac River, and is part of a 24.5 acre oak savanna restoration project. There are over two miles of hiking trails that include paths along the river, a former railroad bed now turned into a walking path (from 12th Street), a prairie loop, and a few other trails. Honestly, I could not find the railroad bed walking path, but I think I just didn't walk far enough along to connect with it. I ended up looping back along the same river trail, then taking the prairie loop back towards the trail entrance. A trail map sign would be a helpful addition, but I expect the locals have no trouble navigating.
The Arboretum has been a popular birding spot since at least 2008, but was most recently updated with signage, benches, and mulched trails in 2015. Local volunteers, under the guidance of Laura DeGolier, along with members of the Park Watch of Fond du Lac group, and Noon Kiwanis members, joined together on the project. Fond du Lac is a Wisconsin Bird City, and the nature trail here is a prime spot during spring and fall migration.
As I walked the trails I spotted Song Sparrows, Blue Jays, Tree Swallows, Red-winged Blackbirds, Goldfinches, House Wrens, Gray Catbirds, and American Robins. Sadly, I missed spring migration, but fall migration would definitely be worth the drive. If the Arboretum looks this beautiful, lush and green in summer, the colors of autumn will be striking, no doubt.
The mosquitoes were quite vicious along the river trail, though the trail itself was an easy walk. Just a few rocky outcrops.
There is a very short side trail that goes right down along the river. Very scenic, and accompanied by Tree Swallows swooping over the water. You barely notice the hum of traffic and commerce just outside the woods.
Location:55 N. Pioneer Road, Fond du Lac, WI (Fond du Lac County)
For more information, click here.
I have a soft spot for green spaces that seem to be plunked right down in the middle of commercial areas. Though, in reality, businesses and communities tend to grow up around them. Parking for the Greenway Arboretum is on the west side of the Pick 'n Save parking lot. Park in the last row, just opposite the Salvation Army Thrift Store, and you can't miss the entrance sign.
The Arboretum is 14 acres of natural habitat along the east branch of the Fond du Lac River, and is part of a 24.5 acre oak savanna restoration project. There are over two miles of hiking trails that include paths along the river, a former railroad bed now turned into a walking path (from 12th Street), a prairie loop, and a few other trails. Honestly, I could not find the railroad bed walking path, but I think I just didn't walk far enough along to connect with it. I ended up looping back along the same river trail, then taking the prairie loop back towards the trail entrance. A trail map sign would be a helpful addition, but I expect the locals have no trouble navigating.
The Arboretum has been a popular birding spot since at least 2008, but was most recently updated with signage, benches, and mulched trails in 2015. Local volunteers, under the guidance of Laura DeGolier, along with members of the Park Watch of Fond du Lac group, and Noon Kiwanis members, joined together on the project. Fond du Lac is a Wisconsin Bird City, and the nature trail here is a prime spot during spring and fall migration.
As I walked the trails I spotted Song Sparrows, Blue Jays, Tree Swallows, Red-winged Blackbirds, Goldfinches, House Wrens, Gray Catbirds, and American Robins. Sadly, I missed spring migration, but fall migration would definitely be worth the drive. If the Arboretum looks this beautiful, lush and green in summer, the colors of autumn will be striking, no doubt.
The mosquitoes were quite vicious along the river trail, though the trail itself was an easy walk. Just a few rocky outcrops.
There is a very short side trail that goes right down along the river. Very scenic, and accompanied by Tree Swallows swooping over the water. You barely notice the hum of traffic and commerce just outside the woods.
Location:55 N. Pioneer Road, Fond du Lac, WI (Fond du Lac County)
For more information, click here.
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