Big & Little Marsh features marsh, fen, and northern wet-mesic habitats on the eastern side of Washington Island in Door County.  Take the ferry from mainland Door County and then park along any of several roads including: Deer Lane Road, Michigan Road, Town Line Road, Wickman Road, or North Hemlock Drive.

I would classify my visit here as disappointing.  First, we stopped on Deer Lane Road at the the mostly rectangular parcel.  This area contained a rather unremarkable forest consisting of a lot of birch.  Re-looking at the maps, there is a wet area near the southwest corner of this parcel that would likely have been more interesting.  Next, we stopped on North Hemlock Drive where the Big Marsh portion of the natural area nearly abuts the road.  Of course, without proper footwear, we could not venture particularly close to the water where things would have certainly been more interesting.  At the time of my visit, the natural area’s boundaries, ironically, did not include Little Marsh, so visiting that portion was not an option.  In preparing this blog post, I see that the boundaries have been expanded to include Little Marsh.  All the more reason to return.  I would also like to explore the shoreline area as well.  So many places, so little time!

Marsh

Forest

Fungus

Marsh

Marsh

Marsh

Marsh

Forest

More of my photos (and full-res) from Big & Little Marsh can be viewed here.

Additional Information