Woodland Dunes Hike – Lakeshore Chapter

The Hike

Hike the Dunes Segment of the IAT. Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve has been a partner of the IATA in multiple ways for a number of years.  They have hosted events such as “Dash at the Dunes” and a Trailtessa “Be a Nature Princess” program that highlights the IAT on their property.  Woodland Dunes has also provided space for IATA events such as Base Camp for an MSC project and Chapter meetings.  The Preserve resides on the traditional Ho-Chunk,  Menominee, Ojibwe, Ottawa and Potawatomi homelands that had been sculpted by natural processes.

More than 5,000 years ago, post -glacial Lake Nippissing (now Lake Michigan) was 30 feet higher than the present water surface.  As the water level lowered over thousands of years, waves created a series of sand dunes that resulted in the unique ridges and swales that are now the geological foundation of the Woodland Dunes preserve.

The hike route will pass through a variety of habitats that are painstakingly managed to eliminate invasive and plant native species.  These efforts have made the preserve a major migratory bird route. With more than 300 bird species, 40 species of mammals, and native flora and fauna, it is a nature lover’s paradise.  Woodland Dunes presence in the community has contributed to Two Rivers’ successful designation as a Bird City and an Ice Age Trail Community.

Event Details

Meet at the Aurora Complex trailhead behind the Clinic. Hike 2.5 miles to Columbus Street in Two Rivers where shuttles will be available to take hikers back to the Aurora Clinic parking lot.  Those who wish, are welcome to turn around and hike back to their vehicles.

Location

Aurora Medical Center, Manitowoc County.  Atlas 95f City of Manitowoc Segment