Wau-Ke-Na, W. E. Smith Preserve North Tract

The Wau-Ke-Na, W. E. Smith Preserve North Tract is a beautiful park located at 1970 70th Street in Fennville, Michigan, United States. This park offers visitors a serene walk through coastal habitats, leading to a natural Lake Michigan beach. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and more.

The park features a flat, packed-dirt trail that takes visitors through old-field habitat, shady coastal woods, and bluffs with scenic views of Lake Michigan. There is also a steep path down to a small, natural beach. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.

The North Tract of the preserve includes a variety of habitats such as Lake Michigan beach shoreline, oak-hickory forest, beech-maple-hemlock forest, pine plantation, and more. Efforts are being made to enhance the forest and protect it from invasive species like the hemlock woolly adelgid.

The preserve is named after William Erby Smith, who had a deep connection to the land and worked to reclaim a lost paradise on his property. Visitors can explore the preserve with the help of interactive maps available on the Avenza Maps App. Parking is limited, so visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly.

Overall, the Wau-Ke-Na, W. E. Smith Preserve North Tract offers a peaceful and educational experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.