Wilde Lake
Columbia Maryland 21044
This 22-acre lake was built by the Columbia Association in 1967. It varies in depth from 13 feet behind the dam to a few feet at the west end.
Amenities: Parking available in two lots; both are on the north side off Hyla Brook Road. The first is a small paved lot on the left adjacent to a low white building; the second, also on the left, is a larger gravel lot near the large dairy barn. On-street parking may also be available. No facilities. An almost entirely paved path encircles the lake. A few residential properties on the southwest side extend to the water’s edge interrupting easy public access. Fortunately, virtually all birds can be seen from the north side (although, in some cases, a scope may be necessary). Paved paths leading from various locations on the lake connect with the extensive Columbia Association path system. A paved deck near the first parking lot, a few benches along the north side, and water cascading over the dam at the east end constitute the attractions. Occasional trees bear identifying labels.
Handicapped Access: The level path on the north side allows sporadic views of the water. Use the small parking lot for easiest access; the larger lot requires navigating the gravel lot, then going down a grassy slope to reach the path. Circling the lake is not recommended, as the path at the east end near the dam has several steep inclines and a short section of the southwest side consists of a mulched path prior to swinging out to the sidewalk along Waterfowl Terrace for a short distance.
Habitat: Suburban with mown grass; native and planted trees and shrubs in a park-like setting with a few brushy tangles. A deciduous woods flanking a stream can be found at the northwest corner; trails are narrow, often muddy.
Layout: The lake is oriented roughly east to northwest with the dam at the east end. The path around the lake is 1.46 miles. It is paved on the west, north, east, and more than half of the south side. On the southwest side, it becomes a mulched path for a short distance before swinging away from the lake edge to the street in order to skirt several houses before it returns to the paved system at the west end. The north side of the lake is the more public side (fishing is allowed on this side only). Unfortunately, the view across the water from this side requires facing morning sun. The north side contains several buildings (including a renovated dairy barn) and a paved dock area that is a fine viewing site. (A scope can be a real plus.) Not far from the paved dock, at the lower or east end of the lake, the top of the dam is another good site for views of the lake and the area below the dam. The path at the northwest corner of the lake soon heads uphill as it winds past deciduous trees and shrubby growth, and over a stream. The wooded area near the bridge at the northwest end, along with nearby tangles, make this spot as one of the site’s birdiest locations.
Below the dam, stream restoration included the planting of meadow flowers along the banks between the dam and the footbridge. At the time of writing, plans were in place to extend the stream restoration and meadow habitat on the downstream side of the footbridge. Visitors looking for butterflies will find this part of the Wilde Lake loop of interest during the warm months, though there are other spots around the lake also attractive to butterflies.
Like any body of water, there may be rapid turnover of birds during migration periods or after storms; on the other hand, occasional waterfowl may be present for weeks at a time.
Wilde Lake is one of the county’s most consistent warm-weather locations for night-herons; it has also hosted several rare wetland species. Because of its central location and easy access, birders often make quick stops when in the vicinity. It takes a relatively short time to check both Wilde Lake and nearby Lake Kittamaqundi in one loop.
Compilers: Joanne Solem and Clayton Koonce
