Gull Prairie Preserve

I was going through some of my photos from this year. I found this batch I never looked at after taking them. They are from a walk I took with my sister at the Gull Prairie Preserve in Richland, MI. The trailhead is just north of the stoplight across from the hardware store on the west side of the road. This 2-mile walking trail passes through prairies and woodland, and near ponds. It is a beautiful gift to the community. See their Facebook page for more info.

This was my third visit to the preserve. My first was cross-country skiing. The second was earlier in the summer, but without my camera. I wasn’t going to make that mistake again.

We visited back in September on a sunny morning. There were many wildflowers to enjoy. Here are some of the photos I took.

Trail Map
Trail Map

There were lots of wildflowers to enjoy this time of year.

Common Chicory
Common Chicory
Grey-Headed Coneflower
Grey-Headed Coneflower
Bull Thistle Plume
Bull Thistle Plume
Bull Thistle
Bull Thistle
Coneflowers
Coneflowers
Black-Eyed Susan
Black-Eyed Susan
Beggartick
Beggartick

There were also several interesting insects.

Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Blue Dasher Dragonfly
Blue Dasher Dragonfly

The trail heads into the woods a few times, offering a shaded respite.

Wooded Trail
Wooded Trail

There are two spurs off the main loop that offer better views of the ponds. I have only walked one of them which ended at this pond and had a bench for a short rest.

Bench Near Pond
Bench Near Pond

The Gull Prairie Preserve is an easy walk with so much to explore. It is a different experience every time you visit. I missed the fall colors but hope to be back for cross country skiing again this winter.

Mark

2 thoughts on “Gull Prairie Preserve

  1. You can’t really tell how extensive it is from the road. Great pictures. I would have used the Pub as a landmark instead of the hardware store, more relatable to a national audience. Thanks

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