Trail Highlights
1
Flagpole Overlook
When you finish the Nature Loop, you will see a tall flagpole next to the parking lot. Walk to the...
2
Nature Loop Trail Entrance
Welcome to the Nature Loop! Once you are in the virtual trail: Click or tap on the screen to navigate...
3
Meadow
The start of the Nature Loop takes you through a meadow that is filled with flowers during the spring, summer,...
4
Iris
The meadow is a vibrant and diverse ecosystem, home to a wide variety of native plants. But non-native species like...
5
Telescope Platform
Stop at this telescope platform for one of the best views of Mallows Bay. The telescopes offer a close-up view...
6
Mixed Forest
On this part of the trail, you will see a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. The variety of trees...
7
Snag Trees
In this area, you will find dead or dying trees that are still standing. They are called 'snag' trees. This...
8
Ghost Ship
At low tide, you can see one of the ghost ships near the shore. The wreck site is overgrown with...
9
Serviceberry
Serviceberry, shadbush, shadwood, and juneberry are just a few of the many names given to this shrub. You can often...
10
Maples
While many trees may look similar during the summer, in other seasons, there are definite differences. In early spring, look...
11
Native Wildflowers
In the spring, look down at the forest floor to see small, native wildflowers. Cut-leaf toothwort, pennywort, yellow trout lily,...
12
Pawpaw
In this wet habitat, you’ll find a group of pawpaw trees. Pawpaws are the largest edible fruit native to the...
13
Japanese Wineberry
Across the United States, invasive plants have taken over much of the land, reducing habitat for wildlife. Many invasive plants...
14
Beaver Pond Overlook
This spot is the first overlook of the Beaver Pond. Look and you will see the remains of an old...
15
Tree-of-Heaven
The fallen trees along the trail are known as tree-of-heaven. Originally from China, they have spread widely in North America...
16
Wild Turkey
Mallows Bay is a great place to see ospreys, eagles, and songbirds. But did you know it's also home to...
17
Burning Basin
In 1942, Bethlehem Steel drained the water in this area to sink and burn the World War I ships anchored...
18
Freshwater Marsh Plants
Four trail signs highlight common freshwater marsh plants that can be seen in the area near the Burning Basin, such...
19
Osprey Nest
This osprey nest at the top of a tree is the best spot to see a nest from land in...
20
Goldenrod
During the fall, the trail is full of goldenrod. It's a wildflower with small, yellow flowers that grow in clusters....
