Discover

In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.

-- Aristotle

• Field Guide

Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens is a natural habitat for hundreds of species of native wildlife and thousands of species of native plants. Come and discover the wildlife and natural habitat that surrounds Lake Katherine.

  

There’s no need to travel far from home to spot herons, kingfishers, and egrets.  The Cal-Sag Channel and Lake Katherine provide a pathway and stopping point for an often unique cross-section of wildlife. The sheltered lake provides the perfect foraging opportunity for wide variety of waterfowl that are attracted to the fish the lake has to offer.

 

Discover the wide variety of animals that live along the shores of the lake in the prairie and woodlands.  Search for evidence of the beavers and muskrats that live along the banks of the lake. The cottontail rabbits and white footed mice attract owls, hawks and other raptors. The red fox, coyotes, and white-tail deer also roam along the channel.

 

Bring your binoculars and your birding list. Lake Katherine is a premier birding destination all year round. The nearby waterway is an important migratory route and the lake is an attractive stopover along the way. Moreover, it is home to an impressive number of bird species year round.

Find the amazing insects. Lake Katherine is home to a variety of popular insects, such as butterflies and dragonflies. However, hundreds of other insects can also be observed flying, crawling, swimming, and eating at Lake Katherine.

 

Finally, discover the natural communities that draw wildlife to Lake Katherine. Prairies, wetland, and woodlands provide natural habitats for you to explore.

 

 Photo courtesy of Paul Dacko