Observation Tower

Some years ago, money was donated to the Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest in memory of an avid birder. The money was to be used for something related to birds. It was decided that the money plus matching funds from the Heritage Corridor would be used to build an observation tower standing 15 feet above Goodson Lake.

A variety of regulatory hurdles, weather and water levels, and conflict with prime birding and visitation seasons kept the project from completion. However, the recent low water levels and end of school group visits coupled with successfully clearing the regulatory hurdles has allowed for construction to begin. Dockmasters was able to approach Goodson Lake from the southwest along a long-abandoned fishing road and then floated it across the lake on a mini-barge. The pilings have been driven and the lumber delivered. Unfortunately, for the Dockmaster workers, the lumber is sitting in the nature center's parking area and must be pushed nearly a mile on a cart along the wooden boardwalk.

Judging by their expressions, the Birds-eye View Wildlife Observation Tower lumber push has pilates, spinning, and jazzercise beat by almost a mile!

Images by Mark Musselman