The University of Minnesota’s Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is like a miniature copy of Minnesota, with northern evergreen forests, deciduous woodlands, prairies, lakes, savannas, and even a few active agricultural fields. Over its long history it has become one of the world’s classic ecological research sites, and it remains first and foremost dedicated to research. We welcome the public to learn about the University’s work and to experience the diverse natural habits of Cedar Creek through guided tours and events, as outlined below.
May at the Cedar Bog Lake trail means swamp marigolds, jack-in-the-pulpits and maybe, just maybe, the elusive skunk cabbage. Come along as we walk back into both the white cedar swamp and the history of Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve.
Helen Allison Irvine, known as Minnesota’s -Grass LadyII, wrote a key for 180 species of Minne-sota grasses. She later became the namesake for this 80-acre tract of land just south of CCESR. Owned by the Nature Conservancy, Allison Savanna bears homage to its namesake in the abundance of grasses as well as the riot of wildflowers.
Some call it a bog, some a fen. What is the difference? The fragile ecosystem around Beckman Lake is unlike anything else in the area. Walk along as the naturalist explains and illuminates the hidden secrets of Beckman Lake.
Don’t wait for a tour to walk the Fish Lake Nature Trail - the 2.2-mile hike is open to the public 365 days per year. The trail weaves through prairie, deciduous forest, marshes and savanna. Birds, flowers, and the occasional deer fly, thrive in the area. Explore this trail with a naturalist and learn a few new things about this natural treasure in East Bethel.
CCESR is more than trails and forest-it is also one of 26 Long Term Ecological Research sites, where research is conducted over years to examine long-term effects of environmental changes. This tour takes visitors to our two main research sites, Biodiversity and BioCON. Come see what goes on behind those fences and inside all those pipes!
Return to Cedar Bog Lake to see the changes summer brings. Walk along the boardwalk through ferns and reeds over 6-feet tall and hopefully catch the Decadon surrounding the lake in all its red-hued glory.
September is the time to watch for migrating birds and butterflies. If they are on the move, Allison Savanna can be a great place to see them. The naturalist will also discuss the history of the site and point out interesting flora in addition to the flying fauna!
Birding is for all ages and a bird walk at CCESR is a great experience for novices and experienced alike. Bring your binoculars, a bird guide if you’d like, and spend the morning as a visitor in the realm of the birds. NOTE: This tour leaves at 8:00 am
