by Bill Mees, Nature Areas Committee

Wild Haven Nature Area is 103 acres located at 6900 O’Rear Road.  This impressive property includes a nearly mile long stretch of Perche Creek enjoyed by visitors who hike the Yellow trail.  The four well marked trails branch across the property’s different habitats, each offering different hiking experiences.

The work of Columbia Audubon’s volunteers continues to improve the property’s amenities.  Each improvement offering a more welcoming adventure.  Recently another acre was restored to native grassland, and the re-graveled parking lot assures easier parking.  New maps add to the confidence of first-time visitors to explore and appreciate nature.

The latest improvement is a new and much improved toilet facility (a.k.a. outhouse).   Over the past two years the nature area has been without a toilet.  Originally there were two toilets but their condition had deteriorated and the final coup de grâce was delivered by a falling tree.

Spring’s bird migration and scheduled field trips prompted David Neely and Bill Mees to build a new structure.  The attached photos will give you an idea of what is now available.  We hope this will encourage you to visit the property even if you don’t feel the urge to use the new amenity.

eBird reports for Wild Haven Nature Area are always appreciated.