Take An Easy Loop Trail To Enter Another World At Watershed Pond In Illinois
By Melissa Mahoney|Published April 26, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
There are numerous state parks and natural areas with miles of trails that allow us to get outside and enjoy nature throughout the Prairie State. Some trails lead through magnificent rock formations and to scenic overlooks while others just transport you to another world. There is a lovely trail located in Edwardsville that does just that. This easy and accessible pathway brings visitors through gorgeous wetland, forest, and prairie views with plenty of wildlife as well.
Over 40 acres belong to the Watershed Nature Center, where visitors can view a diverse landscape that includes wetlands, forest, and prairie. Not only is the Center's mission to protect and restore these natural habitats, but to educate and make nature accessible to all.
Located on the nature center's property is the Watershed Pond Loop, a 1.4-mile trail that has a natural surface in some areas and is paved in others. There is also a raised walkway through the marsh that will make you feel like you're in another world.
Just keep in mind that the natural sections of the trail may be muddy after it rains and can have uneven sections in some parts. If you are unable to use that part of the trail, just stick to the paved portions.
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The trail is approximately four feet wide with very little elevation gain and good for most strollers and wheelchairs. This trail is for more of a leisurely scenic walk than a heart-pounding hike but the views you'll get are outstanding.
You will be able to view plenty of birds, perhaps a family of ducks floating on the water, along your Watershed Pond Stroll. Birds and other wildlife are abundant here.
In the spring and summer, you will see a variety of wildflowers along this trail as well as native grasses that are an important aspect of prairie land.
Observation Towers to get more of a bird's eye view of your surroundings are scattered throughout the property as well as park benches. Feel free to take some time in these spots to sit and enjoy nature.
Have you visited the Watershed Nature Center and walked along this trail? What are some of your favorite scenic nature walks around Illinois?
To view the trail and see what others have to say, visit the Watershed Pond Loop webpage on AllTrails. You may also learn more about the Watershed Nature Center and its habitats by visiting the website.
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