Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center 2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 952-854-5900 |
Nestled in the floodplain between the river towns of Chaska and Carver this 600 acre
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Canada Geese at dawn. |
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proposed unit consists of marsh-edged lake surrounded by farmland 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. Quite a few types of birds use this kind of habitat. However, some of these birds, like the brown-headed cowbird, are parasitic, that is they 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 has begun the long process of returning the farmland in this unit to the native floodplain forest, creating one large area of forest. Restoring the floodplain forest will benefit neo-tropical migrant songbirds, including many types of warblers, as well hawks, owls, wood ducks, herons and eagles.
Trail Map |
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The Chaska Unit has two gates with parking space nearby. On the north end of the unit, park by the Chaska Ballpark visible from Highway 212 at the south end of Chaska. The north gate to the unit is southeast of the ballpark.
To get to the south gate, continue driving south on Highway 212 and exit unto County Road 10 into Carver. This road curves sharply to the right past the historic railroad water tower and new 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.
