The Natural Areas

As a field laboratory, they are used extensively for graduate and undergraduate courses in the natural sciences.

For recreation, they are used for soccer, mountain biking (Peffer Woods only), cross-country skiing, bird watching, photography, wildflower walks, geocaching, jogging, orienteering, hiking and the general appreciation of nature.

Wildlife abounds. 121 species of birds have been seen and 61 species breed in the Natural Areas. Bluebirds frequently use the many houses within the Natural Areas. Beaver are found along Four Mile Creek.

The area contains a good cross section of native species of trees, including oak, beech, maple and walnut. Specialties include Kentucky coffee tree, ironwood, paw paw and osage orange. Two fields totaling approximately forty acres are devoted solely to agriculture, the proceeds of which are used to help support conservation efforts within the Natural Areas.