Maple River State Game Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maple River State Game Area |
|
|---|---|
Maple River Flooding near U.S. Route 127
|
|
 Maple River State Game Area
Location in Michigan
Maple River State Game Area
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Clinton, Gratiot, and Ionia counties Michigan, United States |
| Nearest city | St. Johns, Michigan |
| Area | 9,252 acres (3,744 ha) |
| Named for | Maple River |
| Governing body | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Official website: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79136_79608_83081-238944--,00.html |
The Maple River State Game Area is a special protected place in the U.S. state of Michigan. It's like a huge outdoor classroom and playground! This area covers about 9,252 acres (that's over 14 square miles!) across three counties: Clinton, Gratiot, and Ionia. It's managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and is known as the longest continuous wetland area in Michigan. Wetlands are super important because they are home to lots of different plants and animals.
This game area is also home to the only known salt marsh (a type of wetland with salty water) in Michigan.
Contents
Where is the Maple River Game Area?
The Maple River State Game Area stretches along the Maple River and several smaller creeks. It covers about 16 miles (26 km) of river and a total area of 9,252 acres. The area is spread out in different parts across three counties.
The eastern parts are in Gratiot County, including Elba Township, Washington Township, and Fulton Township. As you go southwest, you'll find parts in Clinton County, specifically Lebanon Township and Essex Township. There's also a small, separate part in Ionia County, in Lyons Township.
Most old factories and small towns that used to be here are gone now. The only town directly inside the game area is the small village of Maple Rapids. A major road, U.S. Highway 127 (US 127), goes through the area in Washington Township. You'll see a large marshland on both sides of the road here, which is called the Maple River Flooding. The city of St. Johns is south of the area, and Ithaca is to the north.
The main office for the game area is located about 35 miles (56 km) southeast, in the Rose Lake State Wildlife Research Area. Another large protected area, the Gratiot–Saginaw State Game Area, is about 10 miles (16 km) northeast. There's even a smaller area, the Maple River / Gratiot–Saginaw Connector State Game Area, that aims to link these two big areas together.
Amazing Wildlife at Maple River
The Maple River State Game Area is a fantastic place for wildlife. It has a mix of old forests, wetlands, and grasslands, all centered around the Maple River. This area is especially famous for its many different kinds of birds.
Animals You Might See
Besides birds, you can find lots of other animals here, including:
- Rabbits
- Turtles
- Deer
- Opossums
- Coyotes
- Turkeys
- Snakes
- Many small animals like muskrats, porcupines, squirrels, chipmunks, and beavers.
The Friends of the Maple River, a group that helps protect the river, says that a few black bears have even been seen here after being reintroduced to the area.
Fish in the Maple River
The Maple River is a popular spot for fishing. You can catch many common fish species, such as:
- Black crappie
- Bluegill
- Smallmouth and largemouth bass
- Northern pike
- Pumpkinseed
- Rock bass
- Yellow perch
- Bullhead and channel catfish
- Bowfin
While there are dams on the Maple River, none are located within the game area itself.
Protecting the Wetlands
In recent years, the water levels in the river and wetlands started to drop. This caused a decrease in some animal populations. To help, a big restoration project took place from 2010 to 2015. This project worked to improve the wetlands and make them a better home for animals.
The project raised water levels using a new pumping system. It also fixed miles of levees (raised banks) and hiking paths. New boat launches were built to make it easier to get onto the river. This important work was supported by a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and help from Ducks Unlimited.
Bird Species You Can Spot
The Maple River State Game Area is a favorite place for many bird species to live and raise their young. Here's a list of some birds known to be in the area, according to the National Audubon Society:
- Bald eagle
- Bobolink
- Canada goose
- Caspian tern
- Great blue heron
- Great egret
- Green heron
- Least sandpiper
- Lesser yellowlegs
- Marsh wren
- Northern harrier
- Osprey
- Pectoral sandpiper
- Ring-necked duck
- Rough-legged hawk
- Rusty blackbird
- Sandhill crane
- Semipalmated sandpiper
- Short-billed dowitcher
- Short-eared owl
- Solitary sandpiper
- Sora
- Trumpeter swan
- Tundra swan
- Wood duck
Birdwatching Magazine also mentions that you can find the great horned owl, least bittern, prothonotary warbler, red-headed woodpecker, red-tailed hawk, and most of Michigan's inland ducks here. Even rarer birds like the Hudsonian godwit, Eurasian wigeon, snowy egret, and king rail have been seen!
Fun Activities at Maple River
The Maple River State Game Area offers many fun activities for visitors who love the outdoors.
Boating and Fishing
Fishing is a very popular activity along the Maple River. The river is best for smaller boats like canoes and kayaks. There are many spots for fishing from the shore. You can also find four public boat ramps to launch your boat:
- Maple Road in Fulton Township
- Dean Road in Washington Township
- Two ramps in Lebanon Township (French Road and Fitzpatrick Road)
Camping and Day Use
Camping is not allowed in just any spot within the game area. The only public campground is the privately owned Maple River Campground, located in Lebanon Township along the river. There are many parking lots throughout the area for people visiting for the day.
Hunting and Trapping
During certain seasons, hunting is allowed in various parts of the park. Common animals hunted include deer, waterfowl (like ducks and geese), and turkeys. Small game trapping is also permitted. Fishing is allowed all year round.
Wildlife Refuge Area
A small part of the game area, east of US 127 in Washington Township, is a special wildlife refuge. Hunting is not allowed here, and it's only open to visitors at certain times of the year (it's closed from September 1 to December 1).
Other Activities
Besides hunting and fishing, many people enjoy:
- Hiking on the marked trails
- Birdwatching to spot different species
- Photography to capture the beautiful scenery and wildlife
