Creaky Tree Meadow to Forest Loop

North - The Spine Trail. Signs usually point to Cattail Marsh and Charlie's Bog.

East - You can head down the Pond Trail or along the Spine Trail toward the suspension bridge.

South - There is a trail to Creaky Tree Meadow, which is likely closed off with a rope.

Southwest - The Junction trail to Ichthyology Inn, also known as Fish Tank.

The Marsh Loop Cutoff Trail is short and fairly overgrown. It's a great spot for a very short solo walk or a group hike on a short day.

Click here to see where the Cutoff meets the main Marsh Loop Trail.

Also check out the other entrances to the Marsh Loop Trail, found along the Spine Trail:

Marsh Loop Trail south entrance.

Marsh Loop Trail north entrance.

Finding the Learning Tree House is easy, and the trail to get there, which branches off the Spine Trail, is ADA accessible. To find Mist Net South, look for faint evidence of what could have once been a thriving impacted trail on the left, about halfway to the tree house. If you try heading that way on the map here, you'll see a bigleaf maple with some downed branches at the base that makes for a great landmark.

Learning Tree House - What can't you do at the Learning Tree House? Activity idea: see how many bigleaf maple samaras you can drop off the balcony at once.

Mist Net South - Follow this link. Do you see the caution tape on the tree? Follow the attached cable to the end of Mist Net South to reach a nice wild zone.

To find Mist Net North, look for the gravel indent off the east side of the Spine Trail between the Learning Tree House and the south entrance to the Marsh Loop Trail. Mist Net North starts out covered in undergrowth, but once you find the trail a short ways in, it's quite easy to follow and is a lovely little hike.

Follow this link to view the wild zone at the end of Mist Net North.

The bird hide is ADA accessible.

Activity ideas:

What do you see through the slots?

How does the marsh compare to or contrast with the bog?

What do you think of when you hear the word camouflage?

What if we called it a bird hide to avoid using the word blind when we don't actually mean blind?

Though a bit sunken and thus a bit muddy (or flooded) at times, the Marsh Loop wild zone is a great place for groups to gather and engage in all sorts of activities.

Also, here are two great places to have snack or lunch or otherwise break as a group around the March Loop:

Log seats

Bench

As you reach the north end of campus, you've got easy access to the nearest outhouse, Johnny's John, and an entrance ticket to the Forest Loop Trail. If you go too far down the Spine Trail, you'll end up on IslandWood's graduate campus. Shhhh, someone might be taking a nap in their cabin!

As far as I know, the Forest Loop wild zone is the largest on campus.

Activity ideas:

What do you see if you look up?

Can you spot any forest fairies?

Tell me about a tree you feel connected to in your life. Now, take the time to meet and befriend a tree here in this wild zone.

The bog tree house is an excellent destination in and of itself, and it can be a great spot for a snack, creating a community agreement, reading a book, night hike activities, and more.

Investigate:

Who is Pete Nelson, and why am I asking?

Can an entire group of students fit outside the doors on the small balcony overlooking the bog?