Heron Bottoms
A rich botanic site with skunk cabbage seeps, buttonbush/ blue flag iris openings and rich wet floodplain woods. The nights in the spring offer a cacophony of amphibian calls as the forested wetlands are breeding grounds for spring peepers, chorus frogs, and grey tree frogs.
The downstream end of the property is the USGS Owasco Creek gage. For information on the best flows for paddling at various points on the Wildcat visit: www.wildcatcreek.net/current_streamflow/
Activities
- Bird Watching
- Fishing
- Mushroom Harvesting Allowed
- No Trails
- Junior Ranger Activities
History of Acquisition and Property
Heron Bottoms was acquired by Wildcat Creek Foundation in November of 1998 and transferred to NICHES in June 2013.
The forests have seen tremendous change with the arrival of the emerald ash borer, which has killed many trees on the property. The tragic loss of ash trees at this site has seen an increase in light reaching the ground and led to a positive response from the blue iris and sedges on the property.
How to Get There
Located on US 421 just south of the North Fork of Wildcat Creek. Traveling south on US 421 turn west on the first road after the bridge, and park where it turns south and joins 600 W.
Parking
No Lot. Use caution when parking along country road side. Do not block traffic
Number of Acres
4
