In 2019 the Cowbane Preserve was expanded by the addition of 84 more acres on the south side of the South River. This south section of Cowbane Preserve is comprised of fields, shrubs and trees (a nice habitat mix). The habitat along the river is quite nice for birds, especially sparrows and wrens. There is no bridge across the river, so one must access the south section of Cowbane Preserve via Bowmans Run Rd. Park at the end of the cul-de-sac where access is gained through the wooden fence next to the yellow gate. There are no defined trails but there are some wide, mowed paths. The Preserve is marked with yellow bands on boundary trees as well as signs. The original section of Cowbane is located just to the north on the other side of the South River, which has a separate access point and a separate eBird hotspot.
See the Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve profile for more information on the northern counterpart to this hotspot.
eBird Hotspot: Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve (south)
—Vic Laubach