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Back in the mid-1930s when Shawnee Lake was built, a strip of land around the lake was set aside as a lake preserve and later designated a state game management area.
Currently, this is referred to as a game refuge and city code prohibits the killing of animals except for migratory waterfowl.
There are approximately 99 undeveloped, single-acre lots within this refuge and several marshy areas in coves around the lake that provide abundant habitat for wildlife.
It’s not uncommon to see deer tracks along the water’s edge and to spot does with their young grazing nearby.
The refuge is home to a host of other animals, including bobcats, foxes and coyotes.
It is also a haven for migratory birds, including an annual pelican visit in the fall. Some of the more colorful birds spotted at feeders in spring are the painted bunting, indigo bunting, gold finch, bluebird and red bellied woodpecker.
Many homeowners around the lake provide nesting boxes, feeders and birdbaths to encourage these little guys to hang around.
A couple of larger, interesting birds occasionally spotted in the area are the roadrunner and pileated woodpecker.
Years ago, former Lake Ranger Glen Collins worked with the State Wildlife Department to establish a quail habitat in the refuge.
Although these birds’ numbers are dwindling, one can still hear their bobwhite calls throughout the area and occasionally upset a covey while out walking or driving.
Collins is remembered for the many deer he nurtured and released into the refuge.
Most people come to the lake for recreation, but if one wants to experience nature, he or she can try stopping by early in the morning or after dusk to enjoy the tranquil sunrises or sunsets and relax to the symphony of nature emanating from the refuge.
Back in the mid-1930s when Shawnee Lake was built, a strip of land around the lake was set aside as a lake preserve and later designated a state game management area.
Currently, this is referred to as a game refuge and city code prohibits the killing of animals except for migratory waterfowl.
There are approximately 99 undeveloped, single-acre lots within this refuge and several marshy areas in coves around the lake that provide abundant habitat for wildlife.
It’s not uncommon to see deer tracks along the water’s edge and to spot does with their young grazing nearby.
The refuge is home to a host of other animals, including bobcats, foxes and coyotes.
It is also a haven for migratory birds, including an annual pelican visit in the fall. Some of the more colorful birds spotted at feeders in spring are the painted bunting, indigo bunting, gold finch, bluebird and red bellied woodpecker.
Many homeowners around the lake provide nesting boxes, feeders and birdbaths to encourage these little guys to hang around.
A couple of larger, interesting birds occasionally spotted in the area are the roadrunner and pileated woodpecker.
Years ago, former Lake Ranger Glen Collins worked with the State Wildlife Department to establish a quail habitat in the refuge.
Although these birds’ numbers are dwindling, one can still hear their bobwhite calls throughout the area and occasionally upset a covey while out walking or driving.
Collins is remembered for the many deer he nurtured and released into the refuge.
Most people come to the lake for recreation, but if one wants to experience nature, he or she can try stopping by early in the morning or after dusk to enjoy the tranquil sunrises or sunsets and relax to the symphony of nature emanating from the refuge.
