Jake's Wetland - Minden

The other day we were leaving the library in Minden and decided to explore a little bit. We picked a random street and decided to see where it went. After a little while we stumbled across Jake's Wetland and Wildlife Meadow and just couldn't pass it by without stopping for a look. I'm so glad we did, because this place is neat! 

Right by the parking lot this park has picnic tables and drinking fountains for visitors to enjoy. There are no bathrooms though, so plan accordingly.

We decided to walk around a little bit, and headed down the nice paved pathway. We were all on foot this time around, but this path would be ideal for a stroller or even a bicycle. It's almost completely level, well maintained, and even has lights so you could enjoy the area after dark. We didn't know how long the path was, but it didn't look like it would be too long, so off we went. It ended up being about 1/2 a mile, which was longer than we'd expected, but not at all undo-able for any of us. 

We loved seeing the wildlife as we walked around. There were tons of ducks and geese on the water, as well as herons and other waterfowl. This time of year most of the plant life was pretty dead-looking, but spring will be here soon and then the wild rose bushes all around the ponds will be beautiful! There were also the dried out remains of lots of wildflowers, so I imagine this place will be gorgeous in a month or two. I can't wait to go back and see it when everything is green and growing.

After we got home I started looking around online for more information about this little park. I learned that this isn't just a pond but is actually Martin Slough, which had it's beginnings as an irrigation canal. It actually extends for a ways past this little park, and there is another nature trail farther down that we have not yet explored. There is a fun little educational field guide you can print out before visiting here. It was actually made for the nature trail further down the slough, but I think it would be just as applicable here.  In addition to telling the history of the area, it has some small activities/observation guides that kids might really enjoy. You can find it here, the guide is in a link all the way at the bottom of the page.

Essential Details:
Jake's Wetland and Wildlife Meadow
Across the street from the High Sierra Fellowship church (1701 Lucerne St, Minden, NV 89423)