MLive says: “If you want to connect with nature and you're in Bay County, head to Tobico Marsh, part of the Bay City State Recreation Area. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, it one of the largest freshwater marshes in the Great Lakes Region. You might happen upon deer, muskrat, a variety of waterfowl and other animals while wandering along the hiking trails here. Also, keep a look out for a variety of wildflowers.”After
June 29, 2020
On Monday morning, June 29, Bill and I found a shady picnic table to eat breakfast at in the Bay City State Recreation Area. After having our fill of cinnamon buns and leftover spaghetti from our stay in Bay City the night before, we meandered over to the trails and got to exploring.
We set out on the Chickadee Trail toward the marsh, and were not disappointed. Lots of trail signs, abundant wildflowers, and diverse birds impressed us as we walked through the park. The marsh revealed itself to us only a few minutes into our short morning hike. Bill spotted a gray heron in the water, and countless swallows and ducks.
As we continued our walk, we happened upon a very young deer who stayed to observe us for a while, some of the fattest squirrels and chipmunks I have ever seen, as well as monarchs, dragonflies, and birds on birds on birds.
We walked through wetland, forest, beach, and pond ecosystems as we traversed the park, getting to experience a variety of plant and animal life as we made our way through. There was even a huge stand of cottonwood trees growing in a grove at one point - they were by far the largest cottonwoods I have ever seen! I also got to spend some more time with a great egret posing in the water at the end of our walk. Although the pictures aren’t great, I also believe there was a black-crowned night heron that flew into the pond as well (near the end of the gallery below) - it was my first time seeing one in real life!
It got hot rather quickly, so we called it a day at the end of our couple-hour exploration at the marsh and hit the road to head home. Honestly, though, I could have stayed and spotted birds and swam in Lake Huron all day.