Mar 25 2007
Bird Sanctuary - MCCC
One of the lesser known natural areas in Monroe County is the bird sanctuary on the south side of Monroe County Community College’s ever-changing campus.
As the La-Z-Boy Theater and Welch Phys. Ed. building have risen, this birding area has stayed pretty much the same. It is located on the south side of a small stream/drain just past the south entry to the college. There is a gate immediately adjacent to the stream with parking for one or two cars. Be sure not to park in the access road to the south that is marked “No Trespassing.” This is a private access to a large home built deep in the woods to the south of the Carrington Farms subdivision. Parking is also possible in the community college lots. This requires a short walk along Raisinville Road.
It might also be possible to access this area by crossing the stream at the east end of the property and then bearing south. However, conditions were too muddy to attempt this during my visit. The college also appears to be clearing that area, perhaps for additional construction.
This area has several loops of wide paths. It is not a bad little nature area. There is a pond and, if the bird calls are any indication, this place is meeting its purpose as a haven for our feathered friends. Kids might like this place. And birders probably would love it.
The main interest that a hiker might have in this area is as an additional hiking feature when working a training hike in at the college. The sprawling campus makes for a nice little local walk. The old exercise trail can be used as something of a template. A walker can hike along a stand of trees on the north side of the property. The hike can proceed over the potter’s cemetary and along the decorative pond on the campus. Then, one can link into the bird sanctuary and along back of the college campus.
This is not the world’s greatest hike, but it can result in two or three miles and create an interesting desperation hike.
Possible Route:
http://maps.live.com/?v=2&cid=628A87FDBE3AF2A!112
I wrote a more detailed hike description of this location in 1999. Here is a link to that description:
Campus Map:
http://www.monroeccc.edu/generalinformation/campus_map.htm