Pickerel Lake Nature Trail

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Grenville, SD
Pickerel Lake Nature Trail

Conservation trail sponsored by Pickerel Lake Conservancy on the SW corner of Pickerel Lake, SD

05/05/2026

Over 100 different native plant species have been identified along the PLC Nature Trail on the ten acre conservation property acquired by Pickerel Lake Conservancy in 2021. Two new species have already been discovered in 2026. This plant diversity supports a healthy ecosystem and helps protect Pickerel Lake water quality.

04/22/2026

There are eight bluebird houses that have been installed over the years along the PLC Nature Trail. Tree swallows arrive early each year and aggressively lay claim to the boxes. The swallows are highly beneficial, as they consume large numbers of mosquitoes and other flying insects.

04/15/2026

Turn up the volume and listen to the chorus frogs in the watershed wetlands along the PLC Nature Trail. Wood ducks can also be spotted in the wetlands.

The trail wintered well! It’s mostly brown and grey tones this time of year, but it’s fully open for hikers.

10/15/2025

Volunteers have installed protective fencing around the quaking aspen trees that were planted along the PLC Nature Trail this spring. This hopefully will avoid a repeat of the tree damage from deer rubs that occurred last fall and give the young trees a chance to establish. The trail still has some fall color from sumac and aster plants.

09/25/2025

Scenes from the official beginning of the fall season! The patches of sumac are turning bright red. The ash trees have already dropped most of their leaves and pollinator insects are congregating on the remaining fall flowers.

09/15/2025

The scenery along the PLC Nature Trail this past week featured the transition to autumn colors and northern lights!

09/06/2025

The transition to the fall season has begun on the PLC Nature Trail. Shrubs are changing color. Asters and goldenrod are more prevalent. Still lots of pollinator activity!

08/26/2025

The PLC Nature Trail seems to be a popular spot for migrating birds to congregate during the long journey south in the fall. Groups of cedar waxwings are currently hanging out in the trees along the freshly mowed trail.

Downloading a good bird ID app such as Merlin can help identify the collection of bird sounds heard while hiking the trail.

08/23/2025

Photos taken along the PLC Nature Trail this past week. The Blazing Star bloom has been impressive this year. Goldenrod is now beginning to dominate the landscape.

08/15/2025

The PLC Nature Trail isn’t the only trail hiking opportunity at Pickerel Lake. A trail maintained by SDGFP meanders along the east side of the lake in the state park. There are segments that link the old fish hatchery boat launch, campground, boat marina, Miller’s beach and the Hyde Point residences at the far north end. Choose how many of these down and back segments you want to tackle. You’ll find open views, woodlands, a memorial resting bench, raspberries and many plum trees!

08/10/2025

It’s August and pollinating insects are busy! Sunflowers, Prairie Coneflowers, Blazing Star and Prairie Onion are abundant along the PLC Nature Trail. Goldenrod plants are starting to bloom as well.

Address

Grenville, SD
57239

Telephone

+16053109207

Website

https://pickerellakeconservancy.org/our-work/pickerels-path

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