Fernwood's 55-acre Nature Preserve is both strikingly beautiful and unusually diverse. A 125-foot drop in elevation has given rise to several natural communities, including dry and wet forests, young second-growth woods, streams and ponds, and a carefully reconstructed tallgrass prairie. Species of endangered or threatened Michigan plants and animals are protected in the preserve.

Trails of varying length provide access to the preserve. Some climb steeply while others offer gentle grades. All are kept simple so visitors remain close to nature. Surfaces are wood-chipped or bare earth, and there are steps on hilly portions and boardwalks over wet areas. Benches provide places to rest and observe the beautiful surroundings.

All of Fernwood's trails are open to visitors during normal public hours. Most are extensively used during the week for Fernwood's Environmental Studies Program.

Ecology Trail (Length: 0.6 miles)

The Doris and Dick Richards Ecology Trail was completed in 1995 and provides an excellent overview of the preserve's various natural communities. Signs identify the plants and animals that live in the preserve and explain their relationships. Communities that can be observed and studied along the Ecology Trail include dry forest, wet forest, spring, stream, pond, and river. Steps and sturdy wetland ramps make this the easiest trail for visitors to use.

Fern Trail (Length: 0.04 miles)

The Jim Karaffa Fern Trail connects the Ecology Trail with the Streamside Trail. A variety of ferns, wildflowers and shady wetland plants can be seen along this relatively short trail. The ferns are all indigenous to southwestern Michigan, giving visitors an appreciation for the diversity of ferns found in this part of the state.

Streamside Trail (Length: 0.15 miles)

The Marion Ossmann Streamside Trail connects the Summer House with the St. Joseph River. The music of moving, falling water accompanies the trail from beginning to end. Visitors enjoy wildflowers, a spring-fed brook, wetlands, and frogs as they follow this aptly named trail.

River Trail (Length: 0.16 miles)

The River Trail connects the lower end of the Ecology Trail with the lower end of the Streamside Trail. It follows a sand ridge along the banks of the scenic St. Joseph River, through a dry forest of oaks and other trees. A deck on the river provides a place to rest, sun, and watch aquatic wildlife.

Wilderness Trail (Length: 0.6 miles)

Visitors who want to “get away from it all” or take a longer hike should choose the Wilderness Trail. It passes through some of the least disturbed woodlands in southwest Michigan, offering views of towering trees and carpets of spring wildflowers. A portion of the trail follows the St. Joseph River.

Other Woodland Trails

Three short trails, the Arboretum (0.07 miles), Oak Woods (0.11 miles), and Pine Woods (0.06 miles), connect the Arboretum with the Wilderness Trail and gardens below. All cross steep slopes through dry upland forest.

Prairie Trail

This is a loop trail through Fernwood’s 5-acre prairie reconstruction. The views along the trail change remarkably as the growing season progresses. Early in the season, one can see across the entire prairie from anywhere along the trail. By late summer, when the tall grasses mature, one’s view may be restricted to a few feet ahead. For more information on the prairie, click here.

Old Field Trail (Length: 0.22 miles)

This trail connects the Wilderness trail with the prairie. It passes through a young forest of trees and shrubs, growing on land that was once an open field.