Owasco Flats is a wildlife management area and part of the Greater Summerhill Important Bird Area. The flats are important for fish spawning and provide a natural water quality buffer for Owasco Lake. Several species of birds live in the preserve, including bald eagles, osprey, and woodpeckers. Visitors to the preserve can also enjoy hiking and biking trails, birding, and hunting.
Owasco Flats is a wildlife management area
The Owasco Flats Nature Preserve has four primary purposes: conservation, management of wildlife habitats, and water quality improvement. This area is located just south of Owasco Lake, north of Moravia, and offers a variety of recreational activities. The park’s three parking lots are located along Rockefeller Road and County Route 61A. Visitors may park their cars along Rockefeller Road or use roadside parking.
The Owasco Flats Nature Preserve, located at the southern end of Lake Michigan, has a diverse population of birds. These include tundra swans, blue herons, and common loons. Other notable species include Cerulean warblers and American bitterns. Bald eagles are also a common sight at the park. Visitors can enjoy paddling, hiking, and exploring the park’s trails year-round.
It is a natural water quality buffer for Owasco Lake
The Owasco Flats Nature Preserve consists of 1,500 acres of land in a valley along Owasco Lake. Before the flats were developed for farming, the area was forested. As a result, the wetlands have lost their important function of filtering floodwaters before entering the lake. This has resulted in increased sediment and nutrient loads. In turn, this has decreased the water quality of Owasco Lake.
The extensive limestone on the bottom of the lake contributes to its water quality and buffering ability. Much of the lake’s bottom is composed of cobblestones and sand. The sediments on the north end of the lake are composed of 93% sand, 5% silt, and 2% clay. On the other hand, the substrate on the south end of the lake is made up of various silts and clays that were deposited by the Owasco Inlet.
It is an important habitat for fish spawning
Owasco Flats is a 750-acre wetland that is mostly made up of trees, ferns, and silty floodplain forests. It is a rich breeding habitat for a variety of animals. You can also see tundra swans and common loons resting in the lake during migration. The preserve is also home to great blue heron rookeries and a variety of birds.
The lake has a high concentration of dissolved oxygen but is not a true eel habitat. It is a mesotrophic lake, which means that it has medium levels of submerged nutrients. Zebra mussels and small fish feed on phytoplankton, a type of algae that grows on the lake’s surface.
It is part of the Greater Summerhill Important Bird Area
The Owasco Flats Nature Preserve lies at the southern end of Lake Michigan and is a haven for many important species of birds. These include bald eagles, tundra swans, and blue herons. You can also find American bitterns and Cerulean warblers here. And if you love paddling, you’re in luck, because the flats are open to the public all year long.
The Owasco Flats Nature Preserve was created to protect the habitat and wildlife of the area. Its primary purposes include wildlife management, habitat improvement, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This preserve is home to 180 bird species, including many endangered species. Species that can be found at this preserve include Horned lark, Eastern meadowlark, Upland sandpiper, and Rough-legged hawk.
It is accessible by trail
The Owasco Flats Nature Preserve features a mix of forests, wetlands, and floodplains. Many animals live in and around the preserve, which is easily accessible by trail. Whether you enjoy walking or cycling, this preserve is a great place to get in some nature therapy. And best of all, it’s free! A trail is provided for all users. You can also rent a bike to explore the area.
The preserve covers 89 acres and is accessible by trail. Trails meander along the lake and inlet. The area is considered a floodplain forest, but in wet seasons, it acts as a floodplain. There’s also a loop that follows a former railroad track. Hall’s family has lived in the flats since they were children, so they have an intimate knowledge of the area.
Bottom Line…
Owasco Flats Nature Preserve is a beautiful and serene place that is perfect for people who love nature. It offers a variety of activities such as paddling, hiking, and exploring the trails. The preserve is also home to many different animals, making it a great place to see wildlife. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, Owasco Flats Nature Preserve is the perfect place for you.
