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 They
spin, they “think,” they look like leaves
Whirligig beetles are found on top of fresh, quiet water, spinning
about like bumper cars. The have eyes split for double vision; the top
of their eyes can see above the water and the bottom half can see
below!
Ants have the largest brain of any insect. Combined, the number of
brain cells in a colony of ants is about equal to the number of brain
cells in a human.
A round-headed
katydid usually resembles a green leaf, but be on the lookout for this
rare pink form of the late-summer songster. Every year a few of these
specimens turn up within their range, which covers a large part of the
eastern U.S.
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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
- Restroom
- Drinking Water
- Playground
- Trails
Future Plans
- Additional Trails
- Picnic Shelters
- Expanded Playground
- 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. |
