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Hidden Lake: The Lake Dug by Steam




Hidden lake, also known as Fairlane lake was a soybean field prior to Henry Ford purchasing this property in the early 1900's.  To attract wildlife such as birds, Henry Ford brought in a steamshovel to dig this lake. 



During the winter, the lake freezes over and many wildlife tracks such as fox, raccoon, and squirrel can be seen crisscrossing the lake.  BEWARE, even though it is safe for small animals to cross, the ice isn't thick enough to support humans!






 

During the spring , summer, and fall, many differant animals can be viewed feeding, drinking, and bathing in the lake.  Birds such as these Mallard ducks, Kingfishers, Canada Geese, Pied-billed Grebes, Wood Ducks, and animals such as Painted Turtles, Deer, and Raccoons can be viewed in areas around the lake. 


 Some of the trees planted around the lake occasionally fall into the lake like the one in the picture to the left creating great resting spots for birds and sunning spots for turtles.  If you look carefully, you can see a turtle basking (sunning itself) in the picture on the right.  Can you find it? 


 

 

 

 

 

Scavenger Hunt Question: Along what trail can you find the floating logs in Hidden Lake?












Environmental Interpretive Center   University of Michigan-Dearborn
4901 Evergreen Road  Dearborn, MI 48128 (313)593-5338
Orin Gelderloos,Director
Rick Simek, Program Supervisor
Julie Craves, Supervisor of Avian Research
Dorothy McLeer, Program Coordinator/Interpreter
Michael Perrin, Associate