Sign at Rodman Preserve

This is the story of the first hike at Rodman Preserve. It took place in early autumn of 2021. We’ve driven past this area for years and wondered about what was there. Although we get a good deal of wildlife on our farm there is a distinct difference entering a preserve like this. Even the birds are different.

  • Greeting Table
    Due to Covid-19 the maps and other information (including hand sanitizer) is on this table.
  • Coyote Brush sign
    I like signs that tell you about significant plants and features of the environment.
  • Coyote Brush
    This is the coyote brush mentioned in the sign. We are fortunate to have a few of these important plants on our farm as well.
  • Blue Oak
    Beautiful big blue oak with sign.
  • Start of the trail
    After the big sign the trail begins with a reminder that it is for hikers only. As a nature preserve no dogs or smoking is permitted. The trail begins as you leave the woodland and enter a seasonal wetland with a wooden bridge to get you across.
  • Rodman Preserve near the beginning of the loop
    The trail is basically a loop with a short walk to the loop and a few short branches. This picture was taken as I approached the loop section.
  • view of dry wetlands
    The drought this year has been really bad. This view would normally be wetlands but it is dry in autumn 2021.
  • animal trail
    The trails for visitors are pretty clear. This is a trail made by wildlife.
  • View of diverging path to oak woodland
    View of a diverging path leading to an oak woodland.
  • seed remnants near hole
    There were several spots on the path in which there was a tiny hole surrounded by numerous seed fragments.
  • Trail through oak woodland
    One of the things I enjoyed about Rodman Preserve was the different types of habitats visitors get to experience. I walked through meadows and wetlands. This section was oak woodland.
  • View of house and site of Passion Play
    Here is an interesting house toward the right and the site of the annual passion play toward the left.
  • Family of wild turkey
    This family of wild turkey is actually visible in the previous picture.
  • Northern bench
    Bench at the northern part of the trail.
  • View from northern bench
    View from the northern bench.
  • Rock formation
    Rock formation.
  • Poison Oak
    This is how poison oak looks at this time of year. I’ve spent enough time around it that I can usually spot it even without leaves. If you are not familiar with it, you can see pictures at the Rodman Preserve Nature Center before beginning your hike.
  • View of meadow and Rodman Slough
    View of a meadow and Rodman Slough. Usually there is a lot of water and the wildlife found near water.
  • Eastern bench
    Bench at the eastern part of the trail.
  • View from the eastern bench
    View from the eastern bench.
  • Woodpecker acorn granary tree
    Woodpeckers find old dead trees and poke holes in them and then fill the holes with acorns. This is called a woodpecker acorn granary tree. There are holes and acorns all over this tree.
  • Wetlands near the end of the loop
    Wetlands as I approach the end of the loop.
  • Bird habitat
    Bird habitat.
  • Trail back through the wetlands
    The trail goes through some wetlands. I imagine that most years this area would still be wet. You may want to wear boots for this hike.
  • Foot bridge over wetlands
    This bridge crosses over what I suppose is usually very swampy if not flooded.
  • Bird houses
    There are several bird houses near the nature center. Many have a shield to keep predators out. Others use different positioning to accomplish this.
  • Hawk at Rodman Preserve
    Hawk seen at the end of the hike. I also enjoyed the nature center.
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