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2009 Federal Duck Stamp Contest 6975 Mower Road Phone: 989-777-5930 |
Enjoy the Refuge
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge offers several recreational opportunities for you to enjoy as you explore.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed by boat from navigable waterways within the refuge. Boaters are not allowed to cross into marsh or pool units or anchor on any refuge dikes. Bank fishing sites are marked on the map above. Bank fishing is allowed on the Tittabawassee River at Green Point Environmental Learning Center and the Woodland Trail at Stroebel Road. Anglers must hike to both of these sites since neither are accessible by vehicle. Another bank fishing site is along the Spaulding Drain off of Ambrose Road. Anglers may also want to try the Cass River Boat Launch and Fishing Access site off of Highway M-13.
A fishing dock at the Cass River Unit in Bridgeport Township is available spring through late summer, depending on river water levels and conditions of surrounding area. You can access this fishing site by turning onto Tin Lizzy Lane from the Dixie Highway (go towards the Cracker Barrel). The refuge parking lot is located behind the Baymont Motel. The fishing dock is about a half mile hike from the parking lot.
Tittabawassee River floodplain wild game advisory - May 12, 2008 news release from Michigan Department of Community Health (PDF file - 49 KB). For more information about wild game and fish advisories, please visit Michigan Department of Community Health's website: www.michigan.gov/mdch-toxic.
Hiking
The refuge offers several trail systems that highlight the unique features of the area. Trails are open year round, seven days a week, during daylight hours only. Please note that trails may be closed for visitors' safety during hunting periods. No pets or horses are allowed on any of the trails. Download Shiawassee NWR Trail System map (PDF file - 494 KB).
2009 Trail Closures (PDF file - 9 KB)
Trail Systems
The Woodland Trail, located off of Center and Stroebel Roads on the north side of the refuge, offers over 4.5 miles of trails. These rather primitive trails wind through bottomland hardwood forest and take you past historic landmarks left from the coal mining industry in the early 1900's. Popular with mountain bikers, hikers and cross-country skiers. Trail use may be limited due to seasonal flooding and wet conditions. Download Woodland Trail map (PDF file - 397 KB).
The Ferguson Bayou Trail, located at the west end of Curtis Road on the south side of the refuge, offers over 4.5 miles of trails. This trail follows graveled roads on the tops of dikes and offers views of croplands, sloughs, forests, fields, wetlands, and pools. Two observation towers, equipped with spotting scopes, are located along this trail so you can take a closer look at ducks, geese, deer, and other wildlife. Popular with hikers, skiers, and casual bicyclers. Download Ferguson Bayou Trail map (PDF file - 406 KB).
The Cass River Unit, located in Bridgeport Township just off of I-75, has about one mile of trail. The trail is mowed in the summer months. The trail winds its way through an old apple orchard, along the Cass River and through upland forest, featuring beech, maple and other hardwood trees. The Friends of Shiawassee NWR are seeking funds to improve and expand this trail. Download Cass River Unit Trail map (PDF file - 314 KB).
Green Point Environmental Learning Center, located in Saginaw, offers over 2.5 miles of trails. These trails wind through a bottomland hardwood forest and offer views of forest, fields, wetlands, and the Tittabawassee River. Trail surfaces range from mowed grass to woodchips to gravel. Various groups use the trail system for educational purposes. Bicycles are not allowed on Green Point's trails. Popular trail with hikers and skiers. Trail use may be limited due to seasonal flooding and wet conditions. Download Green Point Environmental Learning Center Trail map (PDF file - 323 KB).
Hunting
The refuge offers permit only hunting for geese and deer. Visit the Hunting page for more information.
Photography
We encourage visitors to bring their cameras along as they hike our trails. Two photo blinds are available for photographers. One is located on the short spur on the way to the Grefe Tower off the Ferguson Bayou Trail. This one is open on a first come, first served basis, during daylight hours. The other blind is in a closed area near the Grefe Tower and needs to be reserved in advance. For more information about this, please call Green Point Environmental Learning Center at (989) 759-1669.
Refuge Regulations
Enjoy your visit, but remember, protecting wildlife, plants, and their habitats is our priority. Regulations exist for the welfare of wildlife, as well as for your safety. Please comply with the following list of regulations when you do visit. The list is not inclusive.
- Obey posted "Closed Area" and "Refuge Boundary" signs
- Stay on established roads and trails
- Boating is allowed on navigable waterways flowing through the refuge
- Boat access into the marsh and pool units of the refuge is not allowed
- Overnight mooring of watercraft is prohibited in all areas of the refuge
- Pets, including horses, are not allowed
- Collecting, removing, or damaging artifacts, plants or animals, including insects is prohibited
- Snowmobiles, ATV's, and other motorized vehicles are not allowed within the refuge boundaries
- Camping is not permitted
- Open fires are not permitted
- Possession or use of fireworks or explosives is not permitted
- Spotlighting wildlife is not permitted at any time
- Possession or use of alcohol is not permitted
- Please take all litter with you
For more information contact:
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
6975 Mower Road
Saginaw, MI 48601
Phone: 989-777-5930
or e-mail us at Shiawassee@fws.gov
