A Walk in the Park: Lansing's Tollgate Wetlands features diverse wildlife, ponds, trail

A Walk in the Park is an ongoing series from State Journal photographer Nick King, who intends to explore Lansing area parks one hour at a time. If you have a suggestion of a park he should visit, email him at nking@lsj.com.

LANSING TWP. - The Tollgate Wetlands is a 14-acre space that features three ponds that make up the Tollgate Drain system, managed by the Ingham County Drain Commission.

The wetlands, located at 1101 N. Fairview Ave. in the Groesbeck neighborhood, captures storm water and uses moving water between the three ponds to naturally clean it while providing a lush habitat for wildlife. The drain system is able to withstand a 500-year flood.

There’s a half-mile paved trail that loops around the space. There are informational placards displayed around the loop where you can lean more about the drain system and the animals that call the wetlands home.

There are multiple benches and lookout spots along the route for taking in the diverse nature and wildlife that includes blue herons, ducks, turtles and deer, to name a few. There is a space dedicated to turtle nesting that is protected from predators.

There’s an island on the north end of the wetlands that isn’t accessible to people in order to keep the space available for wildlife and plants to flourish.

Patrons can find street parking on Fairview, just make sure to follow any restrictions posted on street signs.

Leashed dogs are welcome, although be forewarned there are no bathrooms on site.