Hikers enjoying the scenery of Dowagiac Woods.

One of Dowagiac's many spring wildflowers. Memorial Acres 28.66 acres of the Woods are set aside as memorials for the following: Eileen and Frank Adler Elizabeth Mc Farlane C.R. Burr Harvey J. Meyer Mrs. A. Cavanary George Moffat Donald G. Cheadle Carolyn E. Moore Dr. R. I. Clary Richard J. Murphy Jack Crawford M/M Albert C. Nelson Lee Diamond Sylvia Parrish & David Pilkinton John S. Dickerson Gabrilla Marie Pedler Arthur W. Goetsch Martin F. & Mildred M. Pierce Pearl & John Haney Joseph Pitlanish Thomas H. Hargreaves Anna McGann Parra & Gabriel Para Stanley E. Hart Amy Lynn Pogano Elizabeth E. Hunter Marie Medawis Pahl Isaac R. Hunter Viva R. Pullin Fortuno F. Jerace Menno Posthuma Robert Jessup Joseph K. Ritter, Sr. Ben Johnson Suzanne Shaner Elizabeth Johnson F. Glen Shuemaker Roman F. Kastler Douglas A. Troutwine David Patrick Kelley Lucille Voorhees Troy Kelley David Weingartz M/M E. Bruce Laing Mrs. June Lee Dr. A.H. Lee Elbert E. Long

This woods was virtually unknown even to people living nearby, and came to the attention of the MNA in 1975 because of a report from a member that blue-eyed Mary grew there. Response to an appeal by the MNA in 1981 for $110,000 to purchase the woods was overwhelming. Despite poor economic conditions in the state at the time, the campaign was completed in one year. Over 550 individual contributions were given, climaxed by a $20,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation. In a marvelous show of cooperation, twenty percent of the amount needed was raised in Cass County alone.

Plants flourish at Dowagiac Woods in countless numbers. Over fifty species of wildflowers bloom in the spring. Here is a plant society that shows what paradise a forest floor free from human destruction and overgrazing can be. After the first flowers open, hepatica and bloodroot start, quickly followed by a profusion of blooming that continues right up through the time of Trillium grandiflorum. The tuliptree occurs in great numbers in the central forest, which is on slightly higher ground than the lowlands. Buds of the tuliptree unfold early.

A top attraction in the Dowagiac Woods is the abundance of Blue-eyed Mary, Collinsia verna. This flower occurs in Michigan primarily Cass County. Its lower petals are blue, its upper ones white. Its dainty form enhances its cheerful look. For six full weeks, beginning early in April, it reigns supreme. Over 150 beds can be seen form the trail, each averaging ten by twenty feet square.

Nearly fifty kinds of trees have been found, some interesting ones being blue beech, black ash, chinkapin oak, cork elm, black walnut and hackberry. The Ohio buckeye tree thrives here in all sizes, from seedlings grown out of fallen buckeyes, to one very tall tree that two people can scarcely reach around. The buckeye is the first tree to leaf out in the spring and blooms in late April.

The woods is a haven for nine plants and animals classified as in danger of becoming extinct in Michigan. Some of these are the black rat snake, the Greek valerian, box turtle, and spotted turtle. The great size of the woods is a factor vital to the survival of the species.

In addition, at least forty-nine kinds of birds nest here. Yellow warbler, northern yellowthroat, and ruffed grouse can be heard. Not surprising in the moist woods is the presence of the Acadian flycatcher. Walk into the Dowagiac Woods from May through July and listen for an explosive “split-chee!” with the last syllable higher and you will know you are listening to an Acadian.