Fort Gratiot Nature Pond as I call it, features 4 ponds, the largest being Kettlewell Pond and is located in, you guessed it, Fort Gratiot Michigan. It has a blacktopped paved trail leading around and has two entrances, one by a dog park on Parker Road and the other at the southwestern most corner of the Meijer parking lot. The total walk if you walk everywhere around the park is under 2 miles. To go in from either of the parking lots and walk around the main pond which is what I mostly do when I adventure there as well as to check out the little pond closest to the dog park, is about 1.3 to 1.4 miles. The park has milage signs which are fun because on the bottom of each one is a quote from some historical figure, author or whatnot. They are fun to read. There are also a number of benches to sit on and relax enjoying nature. Fishing is allowed at the pond and there is a fishing dock on the Westernmost side of Kettlewell pond. Among the typical wildlife one expects to see at a nature pond, at this one, you can enjoy a variety of migratory ducks and birds passing through. On March 29th a Ring Necked Duck. It was at this pond a few years ago that I first saw a Double Crested Cormorant. Although I have not seen one there since that time.

So far this year I have made 2 adventures to Fort Gratiot Nature Pond and am hoping that you enjoy the photos from those adventures here. (March 20th, the first day of Spring 2026 and March 29th)

From the First Day of Spring 2026:

From Adventure 9th of April 2026:

---

From Adventure 29th of May 2026

The highlight of this adventure was exploring a new connector trail freshly mowed upon which I came upon a "species of concern," The Blanding's Turtle whom I named Stew. They are not endangered but are of concern and are rare. I have only came upon them two times, this one and also at For Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum in the Flint Area. Also shown: a Mourning Cloak Butterfly and what I believe to be a juvenile Blue Racer snake.

---

From Adventure 31st May 2026

The highlight of this adventure was the snapping turtle, usually the pond is teeming with painted turtles so this was a treat to see him basking in the sun on deadwood.

---

From Adventure 4th of June 2026:

---