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Site Map to Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area

Layout and descriptions of learning stations along the trail.

• Print your own copy of the Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area Brochure.
   —  [PDF 628 KB]

• SP=Starting Point — The poplar trees lining the parking lot are fast-growing trees that provide nesting cover, buds, leaves, and shade for wildlife. Immediately south of the parking lot is a food plot with corn, sunflowers, and maize. Pheasants, songbirds, and small mammals, amphibians and reptiles can be found here. A bird list can be found in the brochure box. Bicycle racks are also available.

1. Rock Fountain — Water is pumped from the pond and returns via the fountain and stream. This water source is used year-round by wildlife but is crucial in the heat of summer. The sound of falling water is an attractant. Native dace, minnows, snails, and insects live in the stream.
2. Underwater Viewing Windows — Stop and gaze at the life below the water. Dace, shiners, snails, and crayfish are just some of the things you may see. Ask for key at IDFG office.
3. Switchgrass — stands erect year-round providing nesting, thermal, and hiding cover. This grass is a golden-brown in the winter. Other grasses are flattened by winter weather. Notice the brush piles. They are critical cover for birds and rabbits.
4. Evergreens and Deciduous Trees were planted in groups to provide habitat for a variety of animals. They provide seeds, buds, and thermal cover. As part of your nature walk smell the needles of the different evergreens. Crush one with your finger.
5. Native Rose Bush — This bush is used continually by a variety of birds as shelter from avian predators. The small trail gives you access to the pond where a lot of wildlife activity occurs. Take the trail to number 6.
6. Pond and Stream — Birds use the shallow water to bathe and drink. Look for a painted turtle, toads, insects and native fish. The cattails provide perches for red-winged blackbirds in season. Return to the trail.
7. Bench — Sit and view the bees, wasps, and butterflies attracted to the butterfly bush when in bloom. Insects play a major role in all habitats in the area as plant pollinators and consumers, and then in turn are eaten by other wildlife.
8. Green Room. Take the short trail to the bench in the “Green Room.” Rest here and listen to the natural sounds. Look for birds as this is a favorite corner for many species. So far, 98 species have been recorded as seen in the Wildlife Habitat Area and are identified on the bird list in the brochure box at the Starting Point.
9. Open Area — Creating an edge affect with open areas is valuable to wildlife. Open areas provide feeding or resting for some species and nesting or security for other species. Flycatchers need open areas as do meadowlarks. A variety of small habitats within a large area such as the Lewiston Wildlife Area attract more species of wildlife.
10. Blackberry Bush — This bush provides flowers for insects and then berries for numerous species of wildlife. The thorny limbs provide security for rabbits and small birds. Quail use this bush constantly.
11. Dry Area Rock Pile — Cactus, Sagebrush, and Pinyon Pine live without irrigation. Smell a sage leaf.
12. Brush Pile — Brush piles provide not only a place to put numerous trimmings but provide security for rabbits, skunks, raccoons, and birds. Without the brush piles the rabbits would not do very well in this area. Also, a few dead trees can be seen in the Area. These provide observation point for birds to sit where they can see avian predators and still sing or preen.
13. Wildlife Viewing Building — The one-way windows provide excellent opportunities to see birds very close at the many feeders. Check out the key at the Fish and Game Office. A bird list is available in the building and at the Starting Point in the brochure box. Feeding occurs only during winter months.
14. Aspen Colony — Follow the short trail and notice the aspen trees. They have colonized from only six planted originally.
15. Food Plot — Sunflowers and corn provide food for migrating and overwintering birds. Birds are fed at the Wildlife Viewing Building area in the winter.