Nature Trails with Mike and Mike

  • Published
  • By Mike Blythe and Mike Jago
  • 14th Civil Engineer Squadron
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Spring is here and it is time to walk or ride the nature trails.

The trails are open year-round even during hunting season, as the trails are an off-limits area to gun hunting.

The hike offers a self-guided tour with a trail book outlining the types of native plants found at the marked signs. There are two picnic areas, one at SAC Lake and another hidden along the willow oak trail.

Trails are well marked and going off trail is permitted. There are no protected species on base so there are no restrictions related to them.

The trails are open to walk, run or bike. Equestrian visitors are asked to not leave apples on the trail, but be warned, you might find some.

Trail dos & don'ts:

Pack out your trash: There is no scheduled trash pickup service. Trash cans only get emptied if the 14th Civil Engineer Squadron is notified on an AF 332 Request for Service.

Help clear the trail: Please pull small limbs off the trail and report larger trees and large branches to 14th CES at 434-7958/7974. Do not cut any standing trees. Be courteous to other users. Walkers please step to the right to allow bikes to pass. Cyclists please use the rules of the road and pass left, approach right.

Take pictures: The trails are lovely all year. Common wildlife includes deer, fox, squirrel, armadillo, possum, birds, reptiles and many others. If you see a snake, please do not harm it; you are in his house.

Volunteer as a trail host: Take some ownership as a volunteer or as a volunteer organization. The trail is low maintenance but needs attention after storms and events. If you need volunteer hours for school or scouts, please contact 14th CES at 434-7958/7974.

Contact Outdoor Recreation: If you want to camp or picnic at SAC Lake as a group or family or get a fishing permit before fishing at SAC Lake call 434-2507.

Our natural resources officer is relocating excess turtles out of the pond to control the overpopulation issue. Please leave the trap alone. The pond is stocked and the fish are fed.  The feeder is automatic. Please report anyone tampering with the fish feeder, the rowboat or any part of the pavilion to the 14th Security Forces Squadron immediately.

For more information, contact Mike Blythe or Mike Jago at 434-7353/7974, or by email at  michael.blythe@us.af.mil / michael.jago@us.af.mil.