Birding Areas of Des Moines by Bob Cecil (2000)

Louisiana Waterthrush, Scarlet and Summer Tanagers, Pileated Woodpecker, Broad-winged Hawk, warblers in spring and fall

Important Bird Area.
This county preserve is upland timber along the south banks of the Raccoon River. Amenities are few and trails may be steep but the birding is great.
From I-235 inn West Des Moines: Take the 63rd St exit, and head south for about 3 miles to Brown's Woods Dr. Take a right at the stoplight and follow the signs.
Upland timber that often hosts many otherwise difficult to find birds such as Summer Tanager and Pileated Woodpecker. The main trail of moderate difficulty winds down to the Raccoon River and back,

Total Mileage: 4.4 Miles