16821 O’Brien Trail N, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047

William O’Brien has a wide variety of habitats for us to explore.  We will start by following the grass trails along the forest’s edge, looking and listening for warblers, finches, sparrows, and vireos.  As we move along the trail, we will pass through the walk-in campgrounds and possibly hear Towhees singing from the hillside.  The next stop is the Beaver Pond, where herons, egrets, and Kingfishers usually hang out. A little bit further along the trail, we may hear Wood Thrush sing, and then we are out into the marsh area to search for wrens and flycatchers.

DIRECTIONS     Meet at the Visitor Center parking lot.  45.222898, -92.767705  Follow Hwy. 95 North of Marine St. Croix and turn left into the park entrance. The visitor center is the first left and right after entering the park – follow the signs.  NOTE – Annual or Daily MN State Park Pass Required – if you don’t have one, please arrive early so you can use the self-serve kiosk. Email leader if you need to borrow a pair of binoculars.

DIFFICULTY      Uneven wood chips and grass trails with one short but steep climb and decent.  1.5 – 2 miles. Restrooms in the Visitor Center.

LEADER     Greg Burnes  gburnes@comcast.net  612-205-3071