Eureka Maple Woods features a primarily maple-basswood forest on the slopes above Timber Coulee Creek in far southwestern Monroe County.  It is directly across Oboe Avenue from Portland Maples SNA and both are part of the Coon Creek Fishery Area.  Park along the road and you can visit both sites without even moving your vehicle.  One difference, however, is that you will need to find a way across the creek south of the road in order to reach the natural area.  I walked along the creek and was able to find several downed trees that were suitable makeshift bridges.

This site is known for its groundlayer, much of which peaks far earlier that my late July visit.  There is never a bad time for a peaceful walk in the forest, or a moderately strenuous one as was the case here.  The slope is steep in most places and the occasional boulder dots the landscape.  The thick canopy blocked most of the site which also makes for some photographic adventures.  Wild leek was abundant and the flowers were just beginning to emerge from bud.  Another highlight was finding the very large caterpillar of th elm or four-horned sphinx moth.  I would like to return here earlier in the year to catch that groundlayer and in the fall to see the colors.

*You may have observed that these posts are now numbered X/679.  That is because 4 new natural areas were designated recently bringing the total to 679.  Onward and upward!

Forest

Forest

Forest

Forest

Wild Leek

Forest

Elm Sphinx caterpillar

More of my photos (and full-res) from Eureka Maple Woods can be viewed here.

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