This green space includes 298 acres of natural habitat that is open to the public for hiking, exploring the fauna, and observing wildlife. Look for carnivorous plants, find one of the lakes or bring your bicycle.

Within its boundaries are two spring-fed kettle lakes, large wetlands, and ridged uplands.  Well-developed hardwood forests of the uplands include black, red, and white oaks; pignut and shagbark hickories; and flowering dogwood. Common tree species of the lowland hardwood forests are yellow birch, red maple, black ash, and spicebush.

From the tree line to the water’s edge is an interesting habitat called prairie fen. These fens support carnivorous plants including the purple pitcher plant, bladderworts, and several orchid species.

The park is home to over five miles of trail including portions of the North Country Trail, Calhoun County Trail, Iron Belle Trail, and Great Lake to Lake Trail. The Calhoun County Trail traverses the outer edge of the preserve and is a great route for bikers and families. Other trails meander through the middle of the Ott and navigate the park’s wetlands and eskers and only allow foot traffic.

The park can be accessed via the northern and southern parking lots. Each lot contains a sign, kiosk, and bike rack.

The park consists of trails that are rustic, have varying slopes, traverse wetlands, and erode rapidly. Though the trails are maintained regularly, many do not meet accessibility standards.

Ott Biological Preserve

No new posts