Discover 

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

-- Aristotle

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

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

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, coyote and white tail deer also roam along the channel.

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

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

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