The Erie Hiker » Petersburg State Game Area

Mar 31 2007

Petersburg State Game Area

Published by Mike Ingels at 5:28 pm under Hiking: Monroe

The hiking conditions today were almost perfect. The sky was overcast. The temperature hovered at about 50 degrees. That is perfect hiking weather. And because rain was forecast, most people probably made plans that didn’t include the out-of-doors. So, I had two area parks almost all to myself.

My first visit today was to the Petersburg State Game Area in Summerfield Township. Petersburg is state-owned land to the southeast of Petersburg. US-23 is the best access to the park. Exit at Summerfield Rd. and head right/north. Then, turn left onto Teal Road. Teal bisects the park.

The 1984 book Hunt Michigan pegs the size of the park at 441 acres. That should be enough to support a decent couple of miles of hiking, but that is not the case here. Trails move in a haphazard manner from the four small parking areas off Lulu and Teal Roads. There is no system to these paths. I have tried on two or three occasions to put together a cohesive hike, but with no luck.

That said, Petersburg is worth a visit, especially during the late summer. It is one of the few remaining examples of oak openings prairie in Monroe County. This is a globally rare ecosystem that relies on frequent fire to stunt the formation of forest. In the place of adult trees, you will see tall prairie grasses, thistle, wildflowers and young tree sprouts. It is actually quite amazing to see an intact native ecosystem in Monroe. Those who would like to see this type of habitat on a larger scale should visit Oak Openings Metropark in Toledo.

I do have to note the presence of some dumping at several of the Petersburg parking areas. In one, I saw two abandoned car batteries. Monroe County seems to have more of this dumping than other areas in which I hike. I would encourage everyone to help keep Monroe’s parks clean.