AgBioResearch Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center

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The land around us that we call Corey Marsh is roughly 440 acres of wetland, grassland, and lowland forest. This land became associated with the state of Michigan through the federal governments Swamp and Overflowed Lands Act of 1850. Soon after, it was shifted to Michigan’s new agriculture college– now known as Michigan State University. 

From this spot, you can see a lot of the landscape– let’s take a minute to look around and experience it. Think about what you can see – hear – smell – even feel…

I’ll pause now so you can focus in.

 

Did anything in particular stand out to you? If you’re with others, can you describe what you notice or feel? Try picking three words to capture the feeling here to share.

Did you notice any wildlife? How about birds in particular?

One of the neat things about CMERC is that it’s a great place to watch and listen to birds, including migratory birds on their annual journeys north to cooler climates in the spring and south to warmer landscapes in the fall. In this way, CMERC provides habitat – or the space and conditions – for birds to live or visit.

While at the marsh try and keep your senses open to experience what the land has to offer. We’ll also do some activities together throughout the trail to help us think about the landscape mindfully.

From here we’re going to make our way down the trail into the marsh – be sure to keep an eye out for any birds or other wildlife along the way!