Hiking at Beaver Creek

Fall in Wisconsin can be described in many ways: colorful, unpredictable, and breathtaking. There’s no better way to enjoy this short time of year than getting outdoors and putting a few miles under your belt. At Beaver Creek Reserve, there’s about 9 miles of beautiful hiking trails just waiting to be discovered. Not only are the hiking trails lined with the extravagant colors of fall, but bordered by streams, wetlands, and the Eau Claire River. Taking in these wonders of nature not only gets you away from the stress of work or school, but also has many physical, mental, and social benefits!

It can be difficult to find time to move your body and get your heart rate up, especially when the sun starts to set earlier and the temperature begins to drop. If you’re looking for great hikes that you can fit in with limited time, Beaver Creek is the perfect place to start! The hiking trails can range from just a half mile to about 2 miles. The terrain and inclines make for an effective leg workout, while breathing in the clean, fresh air works to strengthen your lungs. You can customize the experience to what you’re looking for by taking the trails slowly or speeding up your pace and taking longer trails for a more intense workout.

While working to improve your physical health, hiking also benefits your mental health. Getting connected with nature is a great opportunity to take time to think and reflect. This can improve your mental clarity and focus, leaving you feeling like a better version of yourself. At Beaver Creek, the diverse habitats make for a wider variety of small animals moving around. In the fall, the animals are preparing for winter, so their activity is increased. If you’re in need of a serotonin boost, seeing the fall colors and animals in nature is sure to do the trick! With each step through Beaver Creek, let go of the stress from school, work, or life that may be weighing you down.

Struggling to find things to do with friends and family? Sick of going to the movies again? Take your loved ones on a hike with you! Nature is the best backdrop and with others, you’ll have someone to take pictures with. No distractions, just good conversation and a gorgeous view. Making memories at Beaver Creek will not only connect you with nature but give you lifelong stories with friends and family.

Fall is the ideal time to try out the hobby of hiking at Beaver Creek Reserve. The crisp, cool weather and changing leaves make for a peaceful, calm environment. Make a day out of it with friends by grabbing a warm cup of hot chocolate and a polaroid camera for fun pictures. For nonmembers, adults can hike for the day for $5 and children (15 years and under) for $3. Children under 2 years of age are free. For more information, visit Trails & Maps at Beaver Creek Reserve | Wisconsin Nature Reserve to get a closer look at the trails and other amenities. Now is the perfect time to connect with nature and take a hike at Beaver Creek Reserve!

Northern Saw-whet Owl Migration Banding

Here at Beaver Creek Reserve we have a ton of new experiences that can connect you with different parts of nature throughout the entire year!  One exciting journey that keeps going is our bird banding programs. Bird banding is a practice that has been around since the 1800s. To get in on the inside scoop, I talked with Tully Frain, Beaver Creek Reserve’s Avian Field Technician, about the bird banding we do here. 

Beaver Creek Reserve is part of an international program in North and South America that tracks birds. A small metal tag with a 9-digit identification number is attached to the bird’s leg, which can then track the bird’s migration patterns, movement, and life history. This data is compiled and sent to a government organization that has it available for researchers who can use the information.

Currently, our bird banders are focusing on the Northern Saw-whet Owl. This small owl wears a brown and white coat with a white “V” between the eyes. The name of the owl comes from the noise they produce, which is said to sound like the sharpening of a mill saw. September to October is generally when we band, and this species of owl is the focus because it’s one of the only true migrating owls. They’re truly a “hoot!” 

Other species of birds that are banded throughout the year include songbirds and the American Kestrel, which is the smallest and most common falcon in North America. As our bird banders collect more and more data about these different species of birds, this data can support larger sets of findings from all over the nation. 

The more species of birds we band and the more information we can collect, the more we can learn about nature and its wildlife. Connecting with wildlife is not only healthy for your physical health, but your mental health as well. The discoveries are endless here at Beaver Creek Reserve, so come visit and be inspired! 

If you’re interested in experiencing bird banding,  keep an eye out for our bird banding volunteer trainings offered at certain times throughout the year, or reach out to us with any questions. We have a couple programs coming up this October if you wanted to observe our Northern Saw-whet Owl banding sessions here at Beaver Creek Reserve.

Stay updated on our events calendar & register for our upcoming programs today! https://beavercreekreserve.doubleknot.com/app/calendar/month/4370