Someone once described this property as "a very big 10 acres."  Unusual description, but it  really is "big."  Because of the complex contour of the terrain, ranging rom hilltop to wetlands to prairie, and the meandering stream and trails that wind through the property, it feels big.  

The variety and quantity of Wildflowers is both big and beautiful.  The many species present are too numerous to mention, but below are a few photos taken on the property.  Rare trillium make an annual appearance and meadows of brilliant yellow marsh marigolds bloom every single spring.  There are also dense patches of fern accented with colorful phlox. 

 

Christmas trees ready for harvest.  A wooded forest with a wide assortment of trees is very nice.  Most of the spruce aren't too big, but every year one is just big enough to chop down for a Christmas Tree.

The prairie on the far end of the property is one of the largest original prairies in Southeastern Michigan.  The University of Michigan School of Natural Resourcs chose this property to study in 1994 because of its rich diversity.   In their final report, they described our prairie as "reminiscent of the oak savannas which were so appreciated by the early European settlers."

Since Paint Creek slices through the middle of the property, we built a bridge to reach the other half.  It's made of treated telephone poles with treated wood treads fastened with brass screws.  It serves quite well and allows us to cross with confidence.  We have even skied across it in the winter.

Trains are big and always have been.  The narrow gauge trains that once traversed the far edge of the property were a little smaller.  You can see for yourself, because there is what we like to call a buried train wreck on the property -- two boxcar frames.  There's also an antique truck chassis on the island.   To learn more about it, check out the legend.

One of the most amazing things we have ever witnessed was a whole herd of deer romping in the stream.  They were running back and forth, splashing and have a great time.  We watched it all from our deck.

The one at right was photographed by the drive.

 

Our own private trail practically starts at our back door.  It goes down the hill, through the woods, across the bridge, along the creek, through the willows, up the ridge, over the prairie and intersects the  8.5 mile long Paint Creek Trail.  That trail is paved with compacted limestone and ideal for walking, running, biking and cross-country skiing.