Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center Phone: 952-854-5900 |
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Canada Geese at dawn. | |
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Nestled in the floodplain between the river towns of Chaska and Carver, this 600-acre unit consists of marsh-edged lake surrounded by old farm fields and floodplain forest. Giant Canada Geese can be seen throughout the spring and summer at Chaska Lake. They are one of the first birds to settle in and raise their young during the warm spring and summer months.
Currently, this area contains a lot of what is called "edge" habitat, areas where fields meet forests. This habitat is home to many species of birds. One of these, the brown-headed cowbird, is parasitic. Cowbirds do not raise their own young, but lay eggs in the nests of other birds. Since the cowbird young grow quicker then the other birds, often only the cowbird chick survives. This can greatly reduce the population of the other songbirds. On the other hand, cowbirds do not enter very far into the forest. By restoring forests and creating large areas of woods, songbirds can have areas to nest where they will not be disturbed by cowbirds or other "edge" predators.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is returning the old farm fields in this unit to native floodplain forest, creating one continuous area of forest. Restored floodplain forest will benefit neo-tropical migrant songbirds, including many types of warblers, as well hawks, owls, wood ducks, herons and eagles.
Trail Map |
| [ Click for .pdf ] |
The Chaska Unit has two gates with parking space nearby.
North Access:
Chaska Athletic Park, 725 West First Street, Chaska
From Highway 41 in downtown Chaska, turn south on First Street (the last street before the Minnesota River bridge), and follow it through
town to the Chaska Athletic Park (on left). Park at the cul-de-sac on the street, enter the park's gate, and walk around the far side of the ball field to the refuge gate.
South Access:
Carver Riverfront Park, 300 Main Street East, Carver
To get to the south entrance, start at the intersection of Highway 41 and Chaska Boulevard in downtown Chaska. Turn south on Chaska Boulevard, proceed about 1 mile, then exit left on County Road 40 into Carver. This road curves sharply to the right past the historic railroad water tower and gas station. Turn left unto Oak Street after the curve. Drive two blocks to Main Street and turn left again. Drive over the levee and about 1/4 mile further to the trailhead and boat launch.
