Western Oaks Karst Preserve

Cool little nieghborhood trail. Cut thru here with my dog when we’re out for a walk. Nice and shaded plus you get to learn about the local caves.

I had a very educational visit to Karst Preserve this morning.
I learned that a Karst is a tract of land protected from development because it has sinkholes and caves that function as drains into the aquifer. Filling them in could stop their ability to recharge the aquifer below. And that the Beetle Rhadine and the Millipede Speodesmus are protected species that are an important part in the ecology of the cave.
I really enjoyed learning about this preserve in my hood and enjoyed running back and forth on the short hiking trail until I got bored. The trail is crushed granite lined with stones. The trail is mostly covered by a canopy of trees and there are several benches to sit and reflect on the beauty. It is very clean and well maintained.
I took a picture of the Oak Cave — check it out.
FYI Do not bring food into the preserve — ants attracted to food could kill off the protected insects and eat the beneficial flora.
Dogs are allowed on leashes