Walnut Creek Park

Walnut Creek Park is centered on a large manmade lake, Walnut Creek, surrounded by mixed deciduous forest. Fifteen miles of trails, throughout the entire area, provide the perfect opportunity for mountain biking, running, and hiking. Upon entering the park it is easy to check the lake for migrant waterfowl, such as northern shovelers, blue-winged teal, northern pintails, ruddy ducks and other waterfowl, which sometimes join the dozen or so resident Canada geese. Don’t forget to scan the far shore of the lake for great blue heron and great egret, as well as, osprey which drop in from time to time.

You can also follow one of the numerous trails into the woods to search out some of the local residents. Listen for the tapping of one of the half dozen woodpecker species possible in the trees. The more open areas of the park host northern flickers and red-bellied woodpeckers, joined by yellow-bellied sapsuckers in the winter months. Summer residents include indigo buntings and ruby-throated hummingbirds, and an evening visit could turn up an eastern screech-owl or maybe a great horned or barred owl.

Summer is the best time for butterflies and other showy insects. Check the prolific flowering plants for eastern tiger swallowtails, Aphrodite fritillaries and an array of sulphurs, dusky wings and skippers.