The trails at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary (MGBS) are primarily located in the east end of the property. This limits the human activity to a specific area in order to offer undisturbed habitat for the majority of the land. The trails are maintained to various levels due to the volunteers that do the work. The trails all offer hilly segments and utilize footbridges that cross small creeks. Both the trails and bridges may become slick during wet or icy weather and caution must be taken by visitors. We welcome visitors to the property to enjoy the benefits of our stewardship.

Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary Service Road

(Hilly: Prairie, succession fields, wetland, forest, pond, mature forest. Total out and back distance of over 4 miles, make sure to carry water)

The service road is a continuation of the lane that visitors enter the MGBS. The lane leaves adjacent to the main parking lot and is used by visitors wishing to casually stroll side by side rather than walk in single file through the other trails. It is also the main lane used by residents and volunteers during work efforts. The Service Road rises from the parking area and passes several trailheads which are a part of the Memorial Trail System. It then continues up to the hilltop where signs of past occupants are visible. The large locust trees and grassy south facing slope provide a good viewing area that overlooks the prairie that is maintained for habitat. This is a great spot to look for field species, edge species and migrants during the spring and fall.

At the top of this hill, the Beech Trailhead is found next to the old barn, and the Prairie trails go around the prairie edge as well as cross the prairie itself. As the lane is followed down the hill and east of the prairie, the walker will find an opening through an old fence line that lowers into a field that is mowed on a biannual basis during the winter months. This field provides nesting areas for bird species that prefer succession environments.

The lane then crosses a creek-bed after being joined by the Wetland Trail. After crossing the creek, Tulip Poplar Trail branches to the left as the service road continues up a fairly steep hill that is often very slippery in wet and/or wintery conditions. At the top of this rise, the Wetland Trail slips off to the south (left). The field to the south is also mowed biannually in an effort to provide a habitat for wetland species. The Service Road then enters the forest.

After a short walk, the Woodland Loop trail breaks off to the right. Continuing up the hill, remnants of a Christmas tree planting is off to the left. At the top of the hill, the road splits to the left as the old service road leads into the forest. The left branch goes up and down several hills that are have significant muddy portions in wet conditions. Eventually this old power right-of-way rejoins the original road at the edge of an opening of old-field successional growth. This brushy area has sporadic trees poking through the brush providing roosts for many species. The 6-10 foot brush also provides unique field habitat. The lane ascends to the crest of the hill where the fire lane that transects the property is found. This fire lane is grassy as it is mowed twice a year. Descending from the fire lane, the road is surrounded by red cedars and eventually empties onto the bank of the fourth pond which is the largest pond at the sanctuary. The pond is found on the right, and the clearing of the high tension power lines is on the left and “over” the pond. This provides a diverse habitat for many species. This pond is about the half-way point for this trek. It is approximately 1.3 miles from the parking lot. If a visitor is tired at this point, it may be time to turn around and return to their starting place. If you decide to return to the parking lot, stay on this lane as the connecting trails may seduce you and new visitors can become disoriented with the trails and thus delay their return to their starting point.

Leaving the pond takes the hiker through an aging pine forest and then walks along the opening created by the power lines. A brief passage through the forest brings you to a split in the road. To the left, the road leads to the former Girl Scout Camp, Delawana. To the right, the road travels through some young woods, crosses the power lines again, and then enters one of the most mature forest sections that are a part of Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary. After walking in the woods, the road comes to a loop indicating that it is time to follow your footsteps back to the main area. This means that you have slightly more than 2 miles walking to return to the main area.

(hilly, open fields, mature forest, creek, succession forest, prairie: approximately 1.5 miles)

The Beech Trail is named for hosting some large beech trees along its course. Starting at the parking area, follow the service road up to the top of the initial hill. At this former home site be sure to look over the prairie. Continue to the right of the small barn and descend through the young successional forest. This path will junction with Prairie Trail midway down the hill. Crossing a small bridge signals the entry into the mature forest. The trail follows the stream and is joined by Cornus Trail and then “Biology Bridge” (so named by the biology class that built its predecessor). The trail to the left connects to the Woods Loop Trail. The Beech Trail will slowly ascend, following the creek for a while, passing some large beech and tulip poplar trees. Eventually, a short dip will indicate a fairly steep ascent leading to “Perkins Meadow” (named for S. P. Perkins III). This field is mowed biannually for habitat diversity. A shelter is located at the top of the hill with the junction of Malus Trail which comes through the apple orchard to the south. The trail then continues to the east through the Perkins Meadow. It joins Locust Trail which comes in from the right. However, the Beech Trail continues to the left, descends back into the forest and down a series of steep steps into a creek valley. At the beginning of the large footbridge, the Beech Trail continues to the right and slowly climbs a ridge giving a good view of the creek valley below. At the top of the ridge, the #1 Residence appears as the trail loops to the right and then exits at the back of Brooks Hall. The parking area is straight ahead.

(hilly, slick in wet weather, woods, hay field view, succession field, valley overview, creek; approximately 0.5 mile)

This trailhead is located on the entrance lane to MGBS. Park in the main lot and return to the trailhead by walking back up the lane, cross the road bridge, pass the campground entrance and Wildflower trailhead, and continue until the trailhead on the right comes into view. After crossing a short footbridge, the trail splits. Follow the left branch…you will return on the right. This trail ascends through some lovely woods and then crosses a footbridge leading to a view of our neighbor’s hay field. The trail then enters a locust stand and joins Woodpecker Trail. Turning right, these two trails share a common path for a hundred yards and then enter an old-field successional opening. The Woodpecker Trail continues straight ahead while the Cardinal Loop turns right and returns to the forest. After walking along the ridge, the trail descends, steeply. Caution must be used during wet weather conditions as this can be slippery. At the bottom of the descent, a bridge takes you across the creek. The trail walks along the creek and then returns you to your starting place.

(Short trail connecting the main area to the Beech Trail; 0.25 miles)

This trail is a connector to Beech Trail and is frequently used when Perkins Meadow is a visitor’s destination.  Leaving the parking area, walk closely behind Brooks Hall.  Continue past the bird viewing area and the trailhead is cut in the forest wall.  Upon entering the forest, the trail splits.  Locust goes to the left (NW) and the Beech Trail continues behind the #1 Residence.  This trial walks uphill through some old pines, crosses the dike built to keep hillside run-off from flooding Brooks Hall, and continues up through an old locust stand.  This trial can be muddy at times due to heavy traffic of maintenance vehicles.  The trail then exits the forest into Perkins Meadow.  This meadow is mowed biannually for habitat.  The trail joins Beech Trail near the top of the incline.  The Locust Trail ends at this point.

(A linking trail that connects the service road and Viburnum Trail, fairly flat trail; approximately 0.5 mile; a 0.26 mile walk is requires to get to the trailhead)

This trail’s main attraction is a perimeter walk of the tall grass prairie that was established on the property in the early 1990’s. Walk from the parking area along the service road. When cresting the hill, the old barn foundation (used to collect debris) will be passed on the right. Descend the hillside with the prairie on the right. At the base of the hill/prairie, the service road will continue down a hill to the left but this marks the beginning of the Prairie Trail on your right. This area tends to be very wet during wet weather conditions. The trail leads around the prairie with paths that cross the prairie as well. The Trail can end back at the top of the hill where the barn foundation is, or it can be followed into the woods where the trail post indicates. Crossing a short bridge into the young woods will lead to an intersection with Beech Trail and then lead to Viburnum Trail at the edge of one of MGBS’s mowed fields. This is the official end of this trail.

(hilliest of the trails at MGBS, Creek habitat, mature forest, open fields, prairie; approximately 1.5 miles)

The Tulip Poplar Trail is named for the majestic Tulip trees that stand along its trail at the southern portion of its loop. This is the longest trail on the property and has several foot bridges and hills to engage. At the end of the trail it joins the service road which requires a lengthy uphill walk to return to the main area.

Begin the trial by passing the large picnic shelter next to the parking area and walking between the second and third ponds. This is a fine opportunity to view water species that inhabit pond environments. Circle to the right and follow the bank of the third pond until the trailhead appears on the left. The bridge spans large Silurian limestone bedrock as it takes you into the forest. Veer to the right as the Woodpecker trail joins the trail from the left almost immediately after crossing the bridge.

The trail accompanies the creek for some distance and presents a good opportunity to observe edge and watercourse birds and other wildlife. The trail eventually leaves the creek as it weaves into the woods, crosses several small woodland meadows and footbridges and eventually turns up a ridge and enters a mature forest. Woodland species abound as the trail crests a hill and sinks into another valley where the property’s largest tulip and oak trees reach past the understory and into the sunlight above. The trail then skirts the southern property boundary overlooking a large creek below on the adjacent property. A gradual descent returns the walker to the creek meadow that has paw-paw trees and walnuts in abundance. The flatland walk soon joins the service road. To return to the main area follow the road to the right (north) and enjoy the open fields for the habitat they provide. The road will ascend to the prairie, crest the ridge, and then descend back to the parking area.

(This is the flattest trail on the property, moist meadow forest, creek, fields, prairie; approximately 1 mile)

The Wetland Trail presents a gradual downhill walk as it follows the creek from the north to the south. It should be noted that the return trip will require a gradual uphill trek of equal distance. To start this walk, leave the main parking area and pass the large shelter. Curve to the right and walk to the right of the third pond. (A short connector trail to the service road goes up the hill off to the right.) The trail will veer to the right as the third pond remains on your left. 

Due to the creek and valley that is being followed with this trail, moist forest conditions are present. The trail will meander with the creek as it makes its way south. Across the creek is a west facing embankment that provides unique attributes for plants and wildlife. Walnut, cottonwood, and pawpaw trees are abundant during this walk. Eventually the trail will join the service road at the edge of a maintained meadow. To return to the main area, follow the service road to the right (uphill). This will take you past the prairie, to the crest of the service road, and then descend back to the parking area.

(One of the first trails established at MGBS, abundant spring wildflowers, spring fed creek, wet woods meadow, gentle hills, mature forest)

This trail was established by Miss Edna Banta who was the first naturalist at McCormick’s Creek State Park in Indiana. She dedicated many years as resident naturalist and caretaker of the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary during its early years. 

The trailhead for Wildflower Trail is on the north side of the entrance lane coming into MGBS. To reach the trailhead, park in the main parking area and then walk back up the lane, cross the road bridge and continue an additional 30 yards to the trail sign on the left.

The trail walks “upstream” beside a spring-fed creek. This meadow portion crosses the creek with several footbridges before it ascends a small hill and then returns to cross the creek one last time. Crossing the largest footbridge of this trail, the hiker climbs a ridge and enters fairly mature forest. The trail then circles to the left as a short connector trail (to Beech Trail) branches off to the right. The trail borders old pine forest and then enters the campground. Keep walking straight through the campground to find the entrance lane at the road bridge.

(Hilly, open fields, mature forest, creek, successional forest, prairie: approximately 1.5 miles which includes the service road to the trailhead)

The Woods Loop trailhead is on the service road. Leaving the parking area, follow the service road up and over the gentle hill. Pass the prairie, cross the creek, ascend the hill, pass the open field and wetland area and enter the woods. As the service road travels atop the edge of a large valley, the trailhead will be about 50 yards further into these woods. 

On the right, the trail descends into the valley that was previously seen below. Across the creek, the maintained open fields can be observed. The trail follows the creek and eventually meets a connector trail that links the Woods Loop Trail to the Beech Trail. At this point the visitor finds themselves in a sizeable valley that frequently hosts barred owls. The trail continues to the left of the bridge and climbs a ridge. Near the top of this ridge is a favorite location for viewing tree-top woodland species as the vantage point provides an opportunity to almost look into the canopies of the meadow trees that are rooted below. Continuing along this trail, the hiker will join the old branch of the service road. Follow the road to the left. The service road will connect to the main service road that leaves to the right. Continue straight ahead and eventually return to the trailhead. Continue back to the main area using the service road.

(Woodland, gentle hills, creek valley, old field succession; 0.5 miles)

The Woodpecker Trail is the newest of the trails at MGBS.  The trailhead is on the Tulip Poplar Trail.  To find this trailhead, leave the parking area and pass the large shelter on the way to the ponds.  Walk between the second and third pond.  Be alert for pond species that may be present.  Circle to the right around the third pond and find the Tulip Poplar bridge that carries you across the creek.  Follow the Tulip Poplar trail to the right.  A few yards down this trail, you will find the trailhead sign indicating that the trail leaves to the east (left).

The trail ascends through some old pines and then settles into a small valley that has a footbridge carrying across the marshy forest floor.  The trail then climbs up the east side and walks through the forest.  The trail then crosses into a stand of locust trees.  Among the locust trees, the trail is joined by Cardinal Trail from the right.  The Woodpecker and Cardinal Trails proceed to the left and eventually enter an old field succession area.  The Cardinal Trail leaves to the right as the Woodpecker Trail proceeds to the left and down a gentle slope through the field.  As it re-enters the woods, the trail continues downhill and rejoins the Tulip Poplar Trail at the bridge leading back to the ponds.

These trails were established early in the history of MGBS and are marked with plaques that identify contributors/memorials to trail installations.  They all are connected to Memorial Hill which is at the south end of the crabapple orchard that passes through a small valley and connects to the Beech Trail at the S. P. Perkins III shelter.

 

Lonicera -(Mrs. Mary M. Perkins / Roberts Family in memory of Roger S. Roberts)

This is the first trailhead encountered on the right when walking up the service road from the main parking area. Starting with flagstone steps, the trail walks the perimeter of the mowed field and leads to Memorial Hill. The trail has a seep near its start and the area is frequently very wet. The trail enters young forest before it reaches its end and is a good location for edge species.

Crataegeus - (Dr. and Mrs. Earl Brooks)

This trail connects the service road to Memory Hill by passing through the heart of a mowed, old growth field that is mowed biannually. The trail rises fairly sharply from the service road and then proceeds along the crest of the hill while providing many trees to hide both birds and bird watchers. Total length of this trail is about 200 yards.

Viburnum -(Mrs. James C. Bower in memory of Miss Lida Edwards)

Viburnum Trail connects the service road to Memory Hill. From the service road, it rises along the overgrown southern edge of an old growth field, crests a short hill, descends to connect to Prairie Trail, and then rises to the right outside of the field edge, up a moist embankment up to Memory Hill. Total trail length is about 300 yards.

Cornus -(In memory of Mrs. Elizabeth M. A. George by the Calumet Natural Science League of Lake County and in memory of Mr. Authur P. Thomas by Mrs. Georgia Thomas.)

This trail connects Memory Hill to Beech Trail. It leaves the top of  Memory Hill and walks into the woods down a fairly steep hill. Total length of the trail is about 150 yards.

Malus -(Audubon Naturalists of St. Joseph Valley)

Malus trail connects Memorial Hill with the S. P. Perkins III Shelter at Beech Trail. The trail is bordered by crabapple trees that have been planted as memorials to and by friends of the Indiana Audubon Society. The trail is about 150 yards in length and descends into a moist valley and then rises to the Perkins Shelter.