Information
Landmark: Shiawassee National Wildlife RefugeCity: Saginaw
Country: USA Michigan
Continent: North America
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, Saginaw, USA Michigan, North America
Overview
As far as I can tell, Established in 1953, the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge stretches across about 9,870 acres in Michigan’s Saginaw County, where tall grasses sway in the summer wind, at the same time about five miles south of Saginaw, the refuge stretches across marshes where cattails rustle, shady bottomland hardwood forests, and wide, open grasslands.This spot is a vital refuge for migratory birds, especially those traveling the Mississippi Flyway, where flocks sweep overhead like moving clouds, and it’s recognized as an fundamental Bird Area for its worldwide value to waterfowl, along with the refuge teems with life, sheltering over 280 kinds of migratory birds-raptors gliding overhead, shorebirds skimming the water’s edge, wading birds stalking the shallows, and more than 100 species of songbirds filling the air with morning trills.You’ll spot Canada geese, ducks, great blue herons, and great egrets-and if you behold up, a few pairs of eagles guarding their nests high in the trees, to boot along with its bird population, the refuge shelters muskrats, white-tailed deer, and eastern fox snakes that sometimes slip quietly through the tall grass.Within the refuge, a range of habitats-like the restored Maankiki Marsh with its whispering reeds-offers vital resources these species depend on, besides the refuge features more than 14 miles of trails, perfect for hiking, snowshoeing, or gliding across fresh snow on skis.One of the best-known routes is the Ferguson Bayou Trail, a 5.5-mile path winding past cattail-lined marshes, quiet ponds, and sluggish, silver-backed sloughs-perfect for spotting herons and other wildlife, furthermore woodland Trail winds for 4.5 miles through shady bottomland hardwoods, where the damp air carries the scent of moss and hints at the region’s natural past.( fws.gov ) Green Point Environmental Learning Center Trails : A 2.5-mile trail system offering educational opportunities and views of the Tittabawassee River.( fws.gov ) The refuge also features a 6.5-mile Wildlife Drive, open seasonally from June 1 to September 30, providing visitors with a scenic route to observe wildlife from the comfort of their vehicles, along with green Point Environmental Learning Center Trails (fws.gov) features 2.5 miles of paths where you can spot herons along the Tittabawassee River and learn about the area’s wildlife.The refuge offers a 6.5‑mile Wildlife Drive, open from June 1 to September 30, where visitors can roll down their windows and watch herons glide over the marsh, at the same time you’ll find us at 6975 Mower Road in Saginaw, MI 48601, and the trails welcome visitors every day from the first pink light of dawn until dusk.The Green Point Environmental Learning Center is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m, furthermore to 4 p.m, and you can wander in without paying a dime.You’ll find restrooms at the refuge headquarters and along both the Ferguson Bayou and Woodland trails, where the scent of pine often hangs in the air, at the same time to protect the refuge and keep visitors risk-free, rules are in destination-like no pets or horses on the trails, so the paths stay quiet and undisturbed.To be honest, You can take a boat out only on the refuge’s navigable waterways, where the current slides past reeds and quiet banks, in turn you can’t take, harm, or disturb any artifacts, plants, or animals-leave even the smooth river stones where they are.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-04
