Iowa Ornithologists' Union
Login
Menu
Home
IOU
Iowa Bird Life
Iowa Birds
Finding Birds in Iowa
Connections
Ann Barker Library
Learn About Birds
Search
Members
IOU Business
Login
Create Account
Sitemap
How Do I...?
Contact Us
Site Details
Finding Birds in Iowa
Birding by County
Birding Guides
Find a Location
Important Bird Areas
Birding Hotspots
Recent eBird Sightings
eBird Bar Chart
Printable Checklist
Stephens State Forest--Lucas Unit - Lucas County
GPS Coordinates:
41.013843, -93.4812927
Management:
State
Description:
The Lucas unit of Stephens State Forest is not only easily accessible but can provide for some fun birding. There are several forest trails in this 1267 acre unit, though they are minimally maintained. Birding along the roads and in the picnic and camping areas can be very productive. The whole unit can be effectively sampled in a couple of hours.
Habitat:
Primarily upland mature oak forest. Nesting species include Pileated Woodpecker, Broad-winged and Red-shouldered Hawks, both tanagers, and Kentucky Warblers. Ovenbirds, cuckoos, and Wood Thrush will be heard during the breeding season. Chuck-wills-widow has been sporadically recorded here.
Directions:
In western Lucas Co. Just west outside of Lucas, the entrance is on the south side of U.S. 34 less than one half mile west of its intersection with U.S. 65, marked 137 TR. The forest road is indicated with a brown sign when traveling westbound, but this sign is not visible when traveling eastbound. After crossing a wooden bridge of questionable merit over the railroad tracks, travel straight on for less than a mile to the forest entrance. A signed left turn leads to a birdy pond with an adjacent picnic and camping area about a mile east of this intersection. Traveling straight will lead past two small picnic/camping areas until exiting the forest at the south end.
Public Hunting Area
Search for area boundary information on the DNR interactive atlas
Important Bird Area:
IBA Entry for Stephens State Forest--Lucas Unit
Amenities
Restrooms
Drinking Water
Parking
Trails
Camping
Cabins