Tall prairie grasses, including big bluestem, Indian grass and switch grass, make up 60 percent of the prairie. By far the tallest of these is prairie cordgrass, commonly reaching heights of 8 to 12 feet. Broad-leaved flowering plants, known collectively as forbs, compose the prairie's other 40 percent. Cream false indigo, shooting star and violets are the first to bloom toward the end of April or early May, while New England asters and golden rod bring up the rear of the colorful display in early September. Wildlife Wildlife sightings are the order of the day at Goose Lake Prairie.
Animals living here include deer, coyote, red fox, cottontail rabbit, muskrat, beaver and badger.
Barred owls and red-tailed hawk and marsh hawks are among the birds of prey you may see. In addition to the area's year-round inhabitants like doves and northern bob whites, migrating birds include catbirds, eastern kingbirds, Henslow's sparrows, and a variety of warblers. The marsh is home to turtles, snakes and frogs, while butterflies frolic among the flowers each spring and summer. Rare Papaipe moths, previously thought to be extinct, have been found here. Trails One of the best ways to experience Goose Lake Prairie is to hit the trails.