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Boardwalk trail opens at Dixon Refuge

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Published on Tuesday, 20 September 2011 17:18

On September 10, the Wetlands Initiative opened the first phase of a new boardwalk trail to increase public access at the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes.

The trail, which is a raised boardwalk through wetlands and crushed gravel through the drier areas, leads visitors through a variety of restored native prairie and wetland habitats, including marsh, sand prairie, and sedge meadow. It begins at the dock parking lot and continues roughly a quarter-mile north towards the observation tower.

"The areas this trail passes through are some of the most high-quality and diverse natural communities at the refuge," said Gary Sullivan, Initiative senior ecologist. "It gives people an opportunity to see unique and uncommon plants and animals up-close, and to experience the site in a whole new way."

With support from the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, construction on this phase was completed over the summer. At the same time, the Wetlands Initiative has placed seven new interpretive signs at the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, including two along the new trail. The signs create a richer experience by informing the visitor about the site's history, flora and fauna, and rare ecosystems.

The trail's second phase, to be completed in spring 2012, will add a second stretch of boardwalk and will link with the observation tower. The finished trail will be a half-mile long and provide visitors with a beautiful and educational walk between the dock and tower.

The Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, located along the Illinois River, is owned by the Wetlands Initiative and several nonprofit organizations and is managed by the Initiative. Since 2001, the Initiative has been restoring the site to re-create high-quality backwater lakes, wetlands, and prairies to improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat, and give the public a place to enjoy Illinois' historic native landscapes. Previously, the lakes had been drained for 90 years to support corn and soybean farming

Plan a visit to the refuge soon to enjoy the new trail and signs!