In
The Outdoors
A Refuge
for All Seasons -
Marianne
Kronk
Seney National Wildlife Refuge
is a busy place during the summer months. Thousands of visitors flock
to the see the Visitor Center and view wildlife on the Marshland Wildlife
Drive, hiking trails, bike trails, and by canoe on the Manistique
River.
But, things slow down once the snow flies, and the refuge
becomes a truly wild place, where winter's quiet beauty reigns. Snowmobiles
are not allowed onto the nearly 96,000-acre refuge, which is an asset
for quiet-sport enthusiasts and wildlife. If you want to experience
the refuge in winter, take along a pair of snowshoes or cross-country
skis. Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere but on the groomed cross-country
ski trails.
As ice creeps out over the pools, I like to dust off my
snowshoes and plan a snowshoe route that will take me on a loop past
some open water. This is the best time of year to look for otters;
they're often seen fishing in areas of open water. Miss Manners would
frown on their behavior at the dinner table; they like to slide up
onto the ice to noisily chomp down their fishy meal with open-mouthed
pleasure.
If you're lucky enough to catch sight of Seneyís
winter wildlife, make sure you give them plenty of space. Use vegetation
as a blind, and take along a pair of binoculars so you can enjoy the
show from a distance to avoid disturbing them.
Winter gives you x-ray vision. I'm always amazed at how
much I missed during the summer months along the Pineridge Nature
Trail and other areas on the refuge. Hidden bird nests that were nestled
in shrubbery a few feet from the trail are revealed on winter's naked
twigs. Animal trails trace the identity of their owner in the shape
of tracks in the snow. Beaver lodges rise out of nowhere on the marshy
edges of pools.
Other secrets are revealed too – the secrets of winter
food sources. Brilliant red rosehips that stayed unmolested on the
bushes all summer finally are getting nibbled on. Tiny tracks tell
the story of a rodent hopping through the snow to find the fruits
of winter. Other winter fruits, like highbush cranberry (actually
a viburnum) and mountain ash, remain on the stem when the tasty summer
berries have long since faded. These persistent fruits provide much-needed
nutrients for wildlife, along with the seeds of plants like goldenrod
and blazing star.
Cross Country skiing is another great way to enjoy the
refuge. Make your own trail or enjoy the Northern Hardwoods Cross
Country Ski Area. Located just south of M-77 at the end of Robinson
Road, the trails are groomed weekly (usually before the weekend, as
conditions permit) for diagonal skiing. The Northern Hardwoods Cross-Country
Ski Area offers skiers over nine miles of groomed trails. Explore
the beauty of the northwoods as you ski through a mature stand of
sugar maple, beech and yellow birch. Other habitats along the ski
trails include pools, marshes and the frozen majesty of the Manistique
River. Novices and advanced skiers alike will discover trails that
are challenging, fun and full of wildlife.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, please follow these
guidelines:
ski or snowshoe during daylight hours only camping is
not permitted on the refuge
tell friends or family where you will be
use caution around pools, it may not be safe to cross them
motorized vehicles are prohibited
no dogs are allowed on ski trails
The Visitor Center and Marshland Wildlife Drive are open
during peak visitation periods, from May 15 to October. For maps,
pictures and more information about the Refuge, visit our new homepage:
http://www.fws.gov/r3pao/seney/index.htm
Or contact: Seney National Wildlife Refuge,
HCR 2 Box 1, Seney, MI 49883. 586-9851
—Marianne Kronk
