Elizabeth Lake Woods Park
Elizabeth Lake Woods Park is a serene and wooded natural area in Waterford Township, MI, known for its conservation efforts and tranquil environment. It offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and outdoor photography. The park is dog-friendly and suitable for families with children, providing kid-friendly hikes. Some swampy areas may be buggy in summer, and the park is favored for reflecting, sitting, and enjoying nature throughout spring and fall. It is a community-valued green space that is appreciated for its natural beauty and wildlife, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and pet owners alike.
Reviews
Very cute little area
Great Natural Area Park Land. The area of Donnie’s Woods is awesome.
A private, clean, wooded park area. There are some swampy areas so it may get a little buggy in the summer. A great place for sittng and reading, picnicking, or just thinking in the spring and fall. Also Ideal for outdoor photography.
The crown jewel of conservation in Waterford. Could use some minimally-invasive walking trails to maximize appreciation, enjoyment, and health benefits of the natural area, but that is not necessary.
Public support will be needed indefinitely, to protect this community asset. Please spread the word that we love this park, so that one day it will (hopefully) not be sold off for development.
Setting sail from the Cooley Lake Road launch this past Thursday, July 20th, my kayak journey upriver had a clear-cut goal: conquer the current and secure the coveted prize of buy-one-get-one boneless wings at bdubs. But oh, was I in for a surprise!
The river was a puzzle, dotted with fallen trees that demanded agility and strategic maneuvering. The shallow water at numerous points seemed determined to thwart my paddling efforts, transforming a seemingly leisurely ride into an unexpected workout.
The tranquility was rudely interrupted when we found ourselves in the path of a group of mute swans. Contrary to their name, they were quite forward, their chests puffed out in what I can only describe as ‘swan bravado’. They seemed intent on laying claim to the river, forcing us to make a hasty retreat.
Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any stranger, my startled reaction to a passing turtle sent me and my kayak capsizing into the river. Scrambling back aboard with the speed of a pursued gazelle, I paddled fervently to put some water between us and the surprisingly intimidating swan squad.
Perhaps the day’s crowning moment was when I mistook a deer for a goat – a case of mistaken identity that still brings a smile to my face. “Hey babe! Look it’s a goat!”, I proclaimed, a testament to my less-than-stellar wildlife identification skills.
After what seemed like an age, we finally left the swan posse in our wake, ending our river escapade on a somewhat lighter note. Looking back, despite the unexpected twists and turns, it was quite an adventure. Yet, I can’t help but feel that those swans have some unfinished business with me.
So, if you plan a similar trip, brace yourself for a swan showdown – and perhaps, make sure you can tell a deer from a goat. Happy paddling!