Pomeroy McMichals Creek Nature Preserve

The Pomeroy McMichaels Creek Nature Preserve, named in recognition of the 3 generations of the Pomeroy family who owned this property, is a 70+ acre piece of land containing a pristine section of the McMichaels Creek in Hamilton Township.  Located on Hickory Valley Road just west of Glenbrook Golf Course and Hickory Valley Park, this preserved property extends the "Glen to Glen" greenway (Glen Park to Glenbrook Golf Course) into the McMichaels Creek valley. 

The Pomeroy Preserve is part of a geologic ecotone, which is a transition zone between two different plant communities. In addition to the beautiful rock formations, expect to see uncommon wildflowers at this location in spring.


NATURE AND HISTORY

Pomeroy McMichaels Creek Nature Preserve protects 70 acres of diverse habitat along 2,000 feet of McMichaels Creek. Look for limestone cliffs, spring wildflowers and meadows in full bloom. McMichaels Creek is known for its high-quality trout fishing. 

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RICH WOODS = NICE WILDFLOWERS

The rich forest along the floodplain of McMichaels Creek is home to an impressive display of native wildflowers, best seen from late April through early June. The wildflowers are “ephemeral” and take advantage of the brief period of sunlit forest in spring before the trees have leafed out. Their bright, showy flowers attract early pollinators.

 

WHAT ARE THOSE FENCES? With invasive plants such as barberry removed (thanks to PHLT volunteers!), native flowers and pollinator plants have more space to grow – but they are also more vulnerable to hungry white-tailed deer. The fences are deer exclosures to protect native plants and encourage new growth.

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HIGH-QUALITY STREAM HABITAT The Brodhead Chapter of Trout Unlimited undertook an ambitious project to enhance in-stream habitat throughout the preserve. More than 60 in-stream habitat structures narrow and deepen the stream channel, creating both hiding places for native trout and additional habitat for the small aquatic insects upon which the trout feed. 

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White trail (0.5 mile) The trail begins at the parking lot. It leads visitors straight back to the creek, then turns left and follows the creek downstream. The trail leads back to Hickory Valley Road, where visitors can continue east for a short distance and explore Stroud Township’s Hickory Valley Park.

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BIKE REPAIR STATION

A bike repair kit, tire mount and air pump are available at the sign kiosk thanks to a grant from 1% for Nature.