1 min
Overview
The Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge south of Salem was created to provide winter habitat for waterfowl, especially dusky Canada geese. The landscape consists of open fields, wetlands, and riparian woodland. During this time, only two short boardwalks are open for walking and wildlife observation. After April 1st, however, trails along dikes and through dense woodland give public access. It is recommended that you hike the boardwalk and then, between April and October, double back along the dike trail to do the boardwalk again before completing the loop. An optional spur on a shorter boardwalk overlooking open marshes is also described. The Rail Trail leads past a colorful sign into woods of cottonwood, big-leaf maple, ash and willow. A grassy expanse appears on the left. The trail turns right into an ash/cottonwood swale. The boardwalk begins after the junction with the dike trail, which is closed October through April. The boardwalk can be quite slippery after a rain. A gazebo-shaped blind appears on the right overlooking the marshes and Wood Duck Pond. The boardwalk continues across the swampy area. Look for predatory bullfrogs coming up for air - this area is ground zero for the invasive amphibians. The whole area is resonant with their deep croaking. Muskrats also ply these waters and great blue herons are a common feature. Where the boardwalk reaches the dike, go left if the area is open for hiking (after April 1st). The dike trail is a mown path that continues eastward for a mile to rejoin the beginning of the boardwalk. There are ponds on the left and a large field on the right. Listen for red-winged blackbirds, marsh wrens, rails, and song sparrows. The ponds, including Dunlin Pond, are bordered by willows. Where the dike trail rejoins the main trail, go left and retrace your steps along the boardwalk. Back at the dike trail, go straight into the woods. The Forest Trail drops into a swale of ash, maple and oak with thickets of ninebark, rose, blackberry and snowberry. You may have to bend low under
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