Howard County Bird Club
Poplar Springs Park Detailed Information
This small park provides property access in western Howard County where most land is private. It no longer can be recommended as attractive habitat.
Habitat: The deciduous woodlands are not yet mature with many young box elder trees in the floodplain along the remarkably clear stream. The wooded area contains an open glade. There is a heavily vegetated seepage area near the spring head. A small farm pond can be viewed from the parking area.
Layout: To the left of the parking area is the historic Poplar Spring marked by a sign. Adjacent to the spring a trail goes into the woods, winds over a wooden bridge, and continues through a glade with a bench. What was once a meadow (now planted with trees) contains hedgerows on the west and south sides; mown paths wind through it. Unfortunately, as the trees grow, they will rapidly reduce the diversity of birds and butterflies here. A heavily vegetated seepage area forms part of the south boundary of the park. It lies adjacent to Watersville Road and the spring. It is legal to walk close to the vegetation along the south edge without trespassing on the adjoining property.
Best Time to Visit: This park is easily accessible year-round and provides a combination of woods and stream habitats. Not surprisingly, there is little bird activity in winter. Walk whenever the weather permits. The woodland path and bridge can be slippery when wet; portions may be muddy after heavy rains!
Birding:The wooded area is alive with woodpeckers year-round with Red-bellied, Downy, and Northern Flicker common. During spring migration Rusty Blackbirds occasionally visit floodplain situations along the stream, and a few warblers can be found in the canopy. A variety of woodland species can be seen and heard (although sounds
from traffic on nearby I-70 can be distracting). Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Wrens, and Northern Cardinals are present year-round, while Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows visit in winter. Red-shouldered and Red-tailed hawks as well as Black and Turkey vultures drift over all year. Eastern Bluebirds may utilize the nest boxes and may be present along the wood edges. The parking lot offers a view of the sky and of the pasture on the east side of the road.
Highlights: This small park has a combination of county history and natural history. Many native bee species are more efficient pollinators, on a bee-per-bee basis, than honey bees: 250 female orchard mason bees can effectively pollinate one acre of apples. Plenty: The World in Green, Issue No. 20 February/March 2008
Handicapped Access: Limited, although paths are level. The trails are dirt or grass of varying length.