They lack, however, the characteristic coloration of an adult Bald eagle. The young are a mottled brown all over and will not have the distinct white head and tail feathers until they are four or five years old. The Bald eagles feed mainly on the fish abundant in Hoffler Creek and the lake. They are opportunistic, however, and will feed on carrion, small mammals, or reptiles if fish are not available. Because the nest is located so close to the nature trail, all activity in that part of the preserve is prohibited during the mating and nesting season which is from December 15 to July 15 so as not to disturb them.
Chemicals can contaminate the water and kill desirable species.
We rely on the support of the community and especially volunteers to manage the preserve's resources in an environmentally friendly way. English ivy, an evergreen vine native to Europe, thrives in several forested areas of the preserve. It out competes all other vegetation including both trees and ground vegetation destroying wildlife habitat. English ivy is used as a landscape plant and made its way into the preserve through the help of birds and other animals transporting its seed. The best way to remove ivy on the ground is to pull it by hand making sure to get the roots.