Phil and Joan Ferguson Nature Preserve
Ferguson offers rich habitat situated along Kilmore Creek, the most biologically diverse of the Wildcat Creek watershed. The creek hosts mussels, bullfrogs, minnows and various macro-invertebrate species in its waters.
Land along both sides of the creek features an abundant population of Gray’s sedge, which has seed heads that look like medieval maces. Other notable plant species present include American beak grass, several large Pawpaw tree patches (fruit picking is allowed on NICHES lands), rattlesnake fern, flowering dogwood, black willow, and bladdernut thickets. Other shrub species include a large stand of swamp rose, elderberry and prickly ash, otherwise known as tooth ache tree.
The shrubby strip in the middle of the property is a great bird habitat with indigo buntings, brown thrashers, yellow breasted chats and orchard orioles present.
Activities
- Bird Watching
- Mushroom Harvesting Allowed
- No Trails
- Wildflowers
History of Acquisition and Property
Jeff Ferguson was introduced to NICHES by founding member Susan Ulrich, who conveyed her passion for NICHES’ work and mission. Jeff’s life-long enthusiasm for the natural world, instilled by his parents, Phil and Joan Ferguson, along with his long-term concern for the land led him to donate 21 acres of land and creek for conservation. The property is home to a wide variety of song-birds reliant on habitat access.
How to Get There
Located in Clinton County, Union Township, section 24 at the intersection of 380 N and 180 E.
Closures
Closed in November for Deer Control Hunt
Parking
No Lot. Use caution when parking along country road side. Do not block traffic
Number of Acres
21
