Douglas Woods Nature Preserve

Straddling the Steuben/DeKalb county line, the deeply wooded area includes mesic and mesic upland forests, portions of Fish Creek and a rich swamp area. It’s home to a variety of animals from an active Blue Heron nesting colony to fish, salamanders, frogs and turtles. The 130-acre area has a parking lot, but is for advanced explorers as it has no trails. It’s open dawn to dusk; allow time to find your way back in the evenings before dark. To reach the area take State Road 1 southeast to the sharp curve where it turns into County Road 4A. Head east for less than half a mile. A sign on the left side of the road marks the preserve entrance/parking area. Follow the farm lane back into the woods.