Newaygo's Dry-Sand Prairies LbNA #14899 (ARCHIVED)
Map
Nearby Boxes
Add Note
Add Location| Owner: | Adoptable |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Sep 1, 2004 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Newaygo |
| County: | Newaygo |
| State: | Michigan |
| Boxes: | 2 |
| Planted by: | Keltic Kara  |
|---|---|
| Found by: | WanderingWildflowers |
| Last found: | Nov 24, 2007 |
| Status: | FFFFF |
| Last edited: | Sep 1, 2004 |
Visit www.brookstownship.org for directions to the Coolbough Natural Area. From the main page click the “Natural Newaygo” link on the left, and then click the “Coolbough Natural Area” link. You’ll find directions, information, and a trail map. Park at the lot located at the southeast corner of the CNA to begin your search.
For additional information on Newaygo’s prairies and the two species highlighted by these letterboxes, visit the “Publications” section of the Brooks Township website. From this page you can view and print Natural Newaygo: An Identification Guide to the Natural Features of the Newaygo Area (written by yours truly). You can also view a slide show of the 2001 dedication of the CNA (produced by yours truly).
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BOX 1
From the info sign at the parking lot, take the trail that generally heads north through the red pine stand (on the map the trail appears to head northwest). Cross over what appears to be an intersection. The trail will dip slightly, after which you will come to a “T” intersection. Set off along the trail at 40 degrees. This trail is believed to follow along an old railroad grade, and will lead you northeast to join with the Wetland Loop Trail.
As you continue along the trail you may encounter a split. It doesn’t matter which path you take – they’ll shortly join back together. Once they join you can confirm you’re on the right path if you’re heading through the woods along the trail bearing 10 degrees. At this point you may have passed the Coolbough Natural Areas Dedication Sign located along the eastern boundary of the preserve. Continue along the path (looking at the map you’re traveling counterclockwise along the Wetland Loop). Soon the woods will open up revealing an old prairie remnant.
As you come into the prairie remnant notice two cedars standing perhaps ten feet apart. These historic trees indicate that this spot was once an old homestead site. Continue north along the trail past the cedars. On your right should be a prairie remnant bounded on two sides (the north and east) by a red pine stand.
Leave the trail to explore the prairie remnant. Walk along the northern edge of the open field (the red pine stand on your left) toward the lone deciduous tree on the northeast corner of the opening. From that tree locate another tree in the southeast corner of the prairie opening. This tree sports a green and white “Coolbough Natural Areas” marker on the east side of the tree. Looking west from this tree you’ll see the remains of an old foundation. Head in that direction.
Stay to the left (south) side of the foundation. When you find yourself at the place that is at the midpoint along the length of the foundation, notice a tall stump of a white pine off in the woods at 160 degrees. Go to this stump. Once there, notice another stump, surrounded by shrubs, at 280 degrees. Your first memento of your visit to Newaygo’s dry sand prairie lies hidden inside.
BOX 2: SUMMER 2007 UPDATE - THIS BOX REPORTED MISSING. I'VE NOT HAD THE CHANCE TO DOUBLECHECK, AND HAVE RECEIVED TWO REPORTS FROM PREVIOUS BOXERS THAT THIS BOX IS LIKELY AWOL. THIS IS A LOVELY SITE, THOUGH, AND I HOPE YOU HIKE AROUND A BIT MORE BEFORE HEADING BACK TO THE CAR.
Return to the trail near the two cedars. Stand on the trail midway between the cedars. Looking up the trail, spot a tree in front of you on the left side of the trail where the trail curves and leads up a small hill. Go to this tree. From here, look for the small tree across the field at 240 degrees with the big bulb/girder on it. Head for this tree (watch out for the prickly pear and dewberry as you cross the field!). Standing next to the tree, you may notice that there’s a downed tree at 200 degrees which is partially obscured by another tree. This is just for reference to make sure you’re in the right spot.
Stand on the east side of the goiter tree. Spot the stump/downed tree at 120 degrees, approximately 20 yards away from you in the woods. Head for it. (Note: you may not be able to go in a straight line to it, as another downed tree may be in your way). Once you’ve reached this old, broken tree (which stands about 12 feet tall), look for a downed log through the trees at 215 degrees, about 50 yards away from you. Head for it (again, you may not be able to take a straight path to it). Your second memento of your visit to the Coolbough Natural Area lies hidden towards the base of this downed tree.
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After finding the second box you may choose to head back the way you came. For a bit of a longer hike – and a very nice one I might add – continue north and west along the wetland trail, which takes you along the north side of the ponds and back to the parking lot along the south side of the ponds.
Also note: The Coolbough Natural Areas is under active ecological management by the Nature Conservancy. To restore dry sand prairies, controlled burns are often used. It is possible that the trees used as landmarks in these clues may be subject to change after successive burns and/or clearing.
For additional information on Newaygo’s prairies and the two species highlighted by these letterboxes, visit the “Publications” section of the Brooks Township website. From this page you can view and print Natural Newaygo: An Identification Guide to the Natural Features of the Newaygo Area (written by yours truly). You can also view a slide show of the 2001 dedication of the CNA (produced by yours truly).
**********************************************************
BOX 1
From the info sign at the parking lot, take the trail that generally heads north through the red pine stand (on the map the trail appears to head northwest). Cross over what appears to be an intersection. The trail will dip slightly, after which you will come to a “T” intersection. Set off along the trail at 40 degrees. This trail is believed to follow along an old railroad grade, and will lead you northeast to join with the Wetland Loop Trail.
As you continue along the trail you may encounter a split. It doesn’t matter which path you take – they’ll shortly join back together. Once they join you can confirm you’re on the right path if you’re heading through the woods along the trail bearing 10 degrees. At this point you may have passed the Coolbough Natural Areas Dedication Sign located along the eastern boundary of the preserve. Continue along the path (looking at the map you’re traveling counterclockwise along the Wetland Loop). Soon the woods will open up revealing an old prairie remnant.
As you come into the prairie remnant notice two cedars standing perhaps ten feet apart. These historic trees indicate that this spot was once an old homestead site. Continue north along the trail past the cedars. On your right should be a prairie remnant bounded on two sides (the north and east) by a red pine stand.
Leave the trail to explore the prairie remnant. Walk along the northern edge of the open field (the red pine stand on your left) toward the lone deciduous tree on the northeast corner of the opening. From that tree locate another tree in the southeast corner of the prairie opening. This tree sports a green and white “Coolbough Natural Areas” marker on the east side of the tree. Looking west from this tree you’ll see the remains of an old foundation. Head in that direction.
Stay to the left (south) side of the foundation. When you find yourself at the place that is at the midpoint along the length of the foundation, notice a tall stump of a white pine off in the woods at 160 degrees. Go to this stump. Once there, notice another stump, surrounded by shrubs, at 280 degrees. Your first memento of your visit to Newaygo’s dry sand prairie lies hidden inside.
BOX 2: SUMMER 2007 UPDATE - THIS BOX REPORTED MISSING. I'VE NOT HAD THE CHANCE TO DOUBLECHECK, AND HAVE RECEIVED TWO REPORTS FROM PREVIOUS BOXERS THAT THIS BOX IS LIKELY AWOL. THIS IS A LOVELY SITE, THOUGH, AND I HOPE YOU HIKE AROUND A BIT MORE BEFORE HEADING BACK TO THE CAR.
Return to the trail near the two cedars. Stand on the trail midway between the cedars. Looking up the trail, spot a tree in front of you on the left side of the trail where the trail curves and leads up a small hill. Go to this tree. From here, look for the small tree across the field at 240 degrees with the big bulb/girder on it. Head for this tree (watch out for the prickly pear and dewberry as you cross the field!). Standing next to the tree, you may notice that there’s a downed tree at 200 degrees which is partially obscured by another tree. This is just for reference to make sure you’re in the right spot.
Stand on the east side of the goiter tree. Spot the stump/downed tree at 120 degrees, approximately 20 yards away from you in the woods. Head for it. (Note: you may not be able to go in a straight line to it, as another downed tree may be in your way). Once you’ve reached this old, broken tree (which stands about 12 feet tall), look for a downed log through the trees at 215 degrees, about 50 yards away from you. Head for it (again, you may not be able to take a straight path to it). Your second memento of your visit to the Coolbough Natural Area lies hidden towards the base of this downed tree.
*********************************************************
After finding the second box you may choose to head back the way you came. For a bit of a longer hike – and a very nice one I might add – continue north and west along the wetland trail, which takes you along the north side of the ponds and back to the parking lot along the south side of the ponds.
Also note: The Coolbough Natural Areas is under active ecological management by the Nature Conservancy. To restore dry sand prairies, controlled burns are often used. It is possible that the trees used as landmarks in these clues may be subject to change after successive burns and/or clearing.