New Boardwalk at the Wildlife Observation Center

July 15, 2018

For an up close look at waterfowl, there is no better place than the Friends Blind at the Wildlife Observation Center. Located about a half mile from the parking lot, the blind overlooks a secluded impoundment where ducks, herons, egrets and the occasional muskrat go about their business undisturbed. But while the other two blinds at the WOC are accessible by improved paths and boardwalks, the last few hundred yards to the Friends Blind is little more than a trail marked through the woods. Normally not a problem for most, the rugged terrain can be challenging for some and messy for anyone after a heavy rain or snow.

That is, until now. Since late spring a team of volunteers has been busy at work constructing a new 600 foot boardwalk over this section. Under the direction of volunteer (and master builder) George Solovay, these dedicated workers are undeterred by heat, bugs or poison ivy as they saw, drill and hammer the unforgiving landscape into submission. Not the least of their challenges has been transporting thousands of pounds of lumber and building materials into this remote area. But when completed, this ADA compliant walkway will provide greatly improved access to the blind for all visitors, at any time of year.

WOC Boardwalk — Volunteers (Back to front) Steve Gruber, George Solovay, Richard Hiserodt and Bill Craine nearing completion on a new boardwalk to the Friends Blind at the Wildlife Observation Center.

Friends of Great Swamp NWR is funding the entire cost of this project, about $12,000, and Friends volunteers are performing virtually all of the labor. But of course, this would not be possible without support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and their staff. This is the most ambitious project that Friends of Great Swamp has undertaken in recent years, and one which will return immediate benefits to all who visit the refuge. But for now, the construction area is closed to the public, so the waterfowl and muskrats can enjoy their solitude for a little while longer. Now if only those people would stop all that hammering.

BOARDWALK UPDATE

As of July 20, the boardwalk is complete and open to the public. So head on over to the Refuge and enjoy a pleasant walk through the woods to the Friends Blind. You’re going to like what you see.