The Paw Paw River Watershed is about 445 square miles, the largest watershed in Van Buren County. The river and the lands in the watershed support a variety of unique natural features with a blend of agricultural uses and rural villages and cities.
At the mouth of the river on Lake Michigan in Berrien County, rare Great Lakes marshes can be found. As you continue upstream into Van Buren County, the floodplain forests within its mainstem provide an important corridor for migratory songbirds. Wetland systems provide habitat for rare butterflies, and state-endangered reptiles and amphibians, such as the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, Blanding’s turtle and spotted turtle.
Large wetland complexes characterize the North Branch of the River, were groundwater swells up to gush over peat mats and across glades into the narrow meandering stream channel. “Almena Swamp” is a familiar spot to birders and “Whiskey Run” is a nice (but tough) kayaking trip in the spring.
In the East Branch of the Paw Paw River, the landscape contains several unique communities, oak barrens, prairie remnants, and one of the largest fens complexes in southwest Michigan. Eastern box turtles—a species of special concern in Michigan—are common to the area.
The Paw Paw River has much to offer to those seeking to experience southwest Michigan’s diverse landscape. The fields, forest, and wetlands of this watershed contribute to a number of special places in Van Buren County.
Related Links:
Paw Paw River Watershed Planning Project
MDNR Report - East Branch of Paw Paw River
MDNR Report - Campbell Creek (aka Whiskey Run)
Two Rivers Coalition, Inc.
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