Officially designated as a city park in April 2006, the Brooks Nature Area is Marshall’s largest park consisting of 182.7 acres of diverse natural habitat. Located southeast of the city, off Homer Road, the entrance and parking lot are located in the 11000 block of 18-1/2 mile road. Fields, wetlands and hardwood tree stands are all part of the park’s ecosystem. Some of the huge hardwood trees located along the edge of Stuart Lake are estimated to be over 300 years old.
The diverse ecology teems with a wide variety of wildlife including waterfowl, many types of birds and mammals. Native prairie grasses and wildflowers have been re-introduced to 88 acres of the Nature Area. Volunteers have purchased, built and installed bluebird houses, nesting boxes, park benches, fruit trees, and the large display case adjacent to the parking lot.
Miles of groomed trails await visitors. Hiking, birding, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, dog walking and jogging are just a few of the many activities available to all.
Photos by Diane Graves
The diverse ecology teems with a wide variety of wildlife including waterfowl, many types of birds and mammals. Native prairie grasses and wildflowers have been re-introduced to 88 acres of the Nature Area. Volunteers have purchased, built and installed bluebird houses, nesting boxes, park benches, fruit trees, and the large display case adjacent to the parking lot.
Miles of groomed trails await visitors. Hiking, birding, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, dog walking and jogging are just a few of the many activities available to all.
Photos by Diane Graves
