Frolic in the Fontenelle Forest
A great day trip for any person or family is the Fontenelle Forest. This is located at 1111 Bellvue Boulevard North. The mission of the Fontenelle Nature Association is to enhance stewardship of the natural world by providing citizens and visitors alike with quality environmental and natural science education, management of the natural resources, preservation of the historic and cultural resources, and increased opportunities for personal reflection and enjoyment of the outdoors.
For as long as people have been around, we have recorded natural events. From sunrise to sunset, from the arrival of the first birds or spring to the ripening of crops, it is all recorded. This is known as phenology. When you visit Fontenelle Forest, there is a list of the natural history events that occur each month, so you know what to look for. Fontenelle Forest is a premier bird watching area. Nearly 250 species have been recorded during the past ten years. Of these species, more than eighty are known to nest within the borders of the nature center. Some of the notable breeding birds here include the scarlet tanager, the rose-breasted grosbeak, the Baltimore oriole, the wood duck; the ruby throated humming bird, the great blue heron, and the great crested flycatcher.
During the spring migration, a flood of immigrant birds can be found throughout the center. None of these is more sought after than the group of colorful birds known as warblers. Thirty-five species have been recorded, most occurring between April and mid May. During the winter months, it would not be uncommon to see bald eagles here, and common mergansers, as well as common winter residents like the black-capped chickadees and some native sparrows, among others. There are five trails here that you can walk, and enjoy the scenery or bird watch. Whatever you choose to do, there is no better way to enjoy nature than the Fontenelle Forest.
