TRAIL REPORT & RECENT OBSERVATIONS

Seven Ponds Nature Center encompasses nearly 500 acres of woodlands, wetlands, lakes, ponds, prairies, and fields. There are over six miles of trails for you to explore and enjoy. Please check-in at the nature center prior to venturing out on the trails. Our trails are open to guests Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and open to Seven Ponds members dawn to dusk, every day of the year.

CURRENT TRAIL CONDITIONS


October 31, 2025 - With the passing of the peak fall color change comes the big leaf drop, and what a drop it's been! All of the trails are covered with fallen leaves, revealing the interior landscape off the trails. This is a rare treat only available in the fall through the spring seasons, at which time the new summer growth fills in, offering excellent coverage for bedded deer, nesting/foraging birds, and other animals. Be sure to take advantage of the North-80, our most rustic trail comprising of two miles of interconnected trails and paths. To prepare for new spring growth, our maintenance team has begun mowing/brushing the interior fields of these trails, opening up areas usually too dense for visitors to see.


October 18, 2025 - While the dry conditions and warmer temperatures have not been ideal for fall color change, the trails are still inviting for a brisk hike and the crunch of leaves underfoot.


October 5, 2025 - A clear, sunny day and an unusually warm weekend makes today the perfect time to come out to the nature center and explore our trails!


RECENT OBSERVATIONS

  • Our maintenance crew spotted a mink (Mustela vison) carrying muskrat prey across the interior trail that runs parallel to waterfowl pond in the North-80. Mink can dive 15 feet and swim fast enough to catch muskrats underwater as well as in muskrat houses and burrows. They stalk lakeshores, river banks, and wetlands, matching hunting times to prey availability. (10/30/2025)
  • The first dark-eyed juncos have been spotted around the interpretive building, marking the beginning of seasonal change here at the nature center. Keep an eye out for the 'little winter boats' on your next trail walk! (10/18/2025)

Seven Ponds Nature Photo Gallery

206 bird species have been observed at Seven Ponds! The most recent addition to our property list was Common Goldeneye, seen on March 12, 2023. For more recent sightings posted to eBird, click the eBird logo to the right.


Our satellite properties are visited less frequently, but offer different habitat for birds. Check out the eBird reports for these two areas below:

 

Jonathan Woods Nature Preserve eBird reports

106 bird species observed

 

Richie Pond Nature Preserve eBird reports

75 bird species observed