view indian springs

Our recent trip to Indian Springs Metropark was officially called a “staff outing, ” which we all know is just grown-up-speak for a  field trip. What a gorgeous day for exploring the headwaters of the Huron River! I know this was the first time I had been to the area, and the origins of the Huron were not at all what I was expecting – somehow, in my head, I had a visual of  a large lake or significant bubbling spring (Ok, I admit it, the picture in my head was a dramatic geyser, but I knew that was not happening!).

The reality is that the headwaters are a series of ponds, wetlands and small streams making a joint effort to create the beautiful Huron.

shade indian springs
Shady pool, part of the headwaters of the Huron
Yuck! But that goopy orange stuff is normal - produced by bacteria in acidic soils.
Yuck! But that goopy orange stuff is normal – produced by bacteria in acidic soils.
stream indian springs
Sunny little creek, part of the headwaters of the Huron River.
One of several snakes we saw on our hike - possibly a Northern water snake?
One of several snakes we saw on our hike – possibly a Northern water snake?