A Walk in the Park is an ongoing series from State Journal photographer Nick King, who intends to explore Lansing area parks one hour at a time. If you have a suggestion of a park he should visit, email him at nking@lsj.com.
The Bunker Nature Preserve in Mason offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking adventure or solace in the great outdoors.
The park, located at 4349 Bunker Road, is far enough away from the city that the only sounds visitors will hear are chirping birds, croaking frogs and tall grasses moving in the breeze. What sets Bunker apart is its uncrowded charm. Unlike busier parks, the preserve often feels like a private retreat.
There’s a mile-long trail loop on the park’s 130 acres that winds past several ponds, through forests, native prairie, wetlands and grasslands. The trail makes for an easier trip as it is well maintained and made up of mowed grass. The route takes about 20 minutes to complete, but with plenty of sights and resting benches along the way, visitors can easily end up spending more time at the park.
There’s plenty of natural beauty at this sanctuary including various wildflowers, mature trees and plenty of bird species including American white pelicans, bald eagles, American goldfinches, red-winged blackbirds and egrets, to name a few. Other wildlife spotted at the preserve include turtles, deer, small mammals and different types of waterfowl drawn to the ponds and flood plain.
The preserve’s varied terrain, from gentle hills to open meadows, invites exploration, but visitors need to stay on designated trails to protect the preserve’s natural habitats. Rules for the preserve include no hunting, no bicycles and no removal or destruction of plants, flowers and trees.
There’s a parking lot at the entrance to the nature preserve; there no bathrooms are on site. Leashed dogs are welcome. The park is open daily from dusk to dawn.
Bunker Nature Preserve is managed by the Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting natural spaces using volunteers and donations as a way to maintain land.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: A Walk in the Park: Mason’s Bunker Nature Preserve features abundant wildlife, grass trails
Reporting by Nick King, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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