Emily Traphagen Preserve

5094 Seldom Seen Road - 72 Acres

Emily Traphagen Preserve resulted from the desire of Dr. Donald Traphagen to memorialize his wife Emily, through the preservation of the property she loved. By donating a large portion of the cost of the property, he was instrumental in helping Preservation Parks protect an oasis of open space in the midst of rampant development.

Facts

• 72 acres of mixed habitat, including woods, wetlands, pond and meadows
• Opened in 2003
• Hours of operation: 7:30-Dusk.

Facilities

• Picnic Area
• Reservable picnic shelter
• Restroom
• Drinking Water
• Playground
•  Trails  *
  *  Leashed dogs are allowed on these trails, but you must clean up after your pets. “Mutt mitts” are provided at the kiosk to assist you in the clean up.

Future Plans

• Additional Trails
• Multi-use Facility

Trails at Emily Traphagen

Whitetail Loop - Beginning near the picnic area, the 1/2 mile loop winds through a wetland woods, then traverses a meadow on an elevated gravel trail where wetlands are evident during certain times of the year. Along the trail, you will see many trees on the ground which have succumbed to age, insect infestation or weather. Be on the lookout for a red-tailed hawk’s nest, a barred owl and deer, as well as deer beds in the meadow grass. Sightings of meadowlarks are also possible. The pond overlook branches off this trail.
Approximate walking time: 20 minutes.

Pond Overlook - 1/10 mile mulched trail leads to a bench overlooking a pond and wood duck boxes. In addition to wood ducks, you may see mallards, kingfishers and great blue herons.
Approximate walking time: 5 minutes.