Erickson Natural Area & Koziczkowski Park

The Godfrey & Maybelle Erickson Natural Area (ENA) and Koziczkowski Park are hidden gems on the west bank of McDill Pond in Stevens Point.

In 2003 the ENA was sub-divided for home sales. Members of the local Aldo Leopold Audubon Society (ALAS) purchased this land, primarily for migratory bird habitat, then deeded it to the City of Stevens Point who now manages the property and controls any invasive vegetation. ALAS has placed a kiosk near the playground area of Kozcizkowski Park explaining the importance of these properties for spring migrating birds. The south-facing shoreline hold waters that warm up more quickly than others along McDill Pond. Midge (insect) hatches occur along this shoreline, making food available earlier than in other areas. These insects provide vital food supplies for spring migrating birds, especially during days of snow or sleet.

A total of 171 species have been seen on, over, or from this property, 33 of which have been confirmed or suspected of nesting. This is a larger number of bird species than any other property of the same size in Portage County! Of particular interest are the 27 species of migratory warblers that have been observed on the property. Three Wisconsin endangered species have also been observed:  peregrine falcon, yellow-throated warbler, and hooded warbler.

Source: Green Circle Trail Official website