Paw Paw Prairie Fen Preserve Van Kal Avenue, Mattawan, MI 49071
About the Business
Paw Paw Prairie Fen Preserve is a park located on Van Kal Avenue in Mattawan, Michigan, United States. This preserve is home to unique prairie fens, wetlands fed by alkaline, mineral-rich groundwater that support diverse and rare plant life. The preserve was saved from development by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and now offers opportunities for hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing year-round.
Visitors to Paw Paw Prairie Fen Preserve can explore the 1.5-mile loop trail, which is considered an easy route with well-packed terrain. The preserve is a great spot to observe migrating songbirds in August and September. The site also offers opportunities for geocaching, webinars, events, and volunteer opportunities.
TNC works to protect and improve water quality in the Paw Paw River watershed, collaborating with farmers, conservation districts, and universities. The organization owns nearly 1,500 preserves across the United States, totaling over 2.5 million acres. Visitors can support TNC's conservation efforts by engaging with nature at their preserves and contributing to their conservation activities.
Whether you're interested in birdwatching, hiking, or learning about Michigan's diverse plant life, Paw Paw Prairie Fen Preserve offers a unique and important natural experience. Visit the preserve to connect with nature and support conservation efforts in the Great Lakes State.
Photos
Hours open
Monday:
06:00 - 20:00
Tuesday:
06:00 - 20:00
Wednesday:
06:00 - 20:00
Thursday:
06:00 - 20:00
Friday:
06:00 - 20:00
Saturday:
06:00 - 20:00
Sunday:
06:00 - 20:00
Reviews
"Paw Paw Prairie Fen Preserve provides a nice walk. The fen can be seen in the distance but the well maintained trails do not go near the sensitive areas. The trail is relatively short for a preserve over 100 acres. That said, the main trail is crossed by many other trails not on the main map. Intersections are not marked. Easy to get to and the small parking area sufficient for regular traffic levels. Visits should be more interesting in the future as some of the grasses are replaced with native flowering plants. Very interesting to see prickly pear, one of the only cacti native to Michigan."
"Great place for a hike. I imagine its beautiful when the leaves turn. Looked great for cross country skiing."
"great open prairie land. open spaces, wide trails, defined boundaries and abundant life. many types of grasses, shrubs, trees, fungus, and animals. usually easy to spot turkey and deer along the tree lines, and turtles in the water areas. trails make 2 circle loops with lowland standing water-marshy area separating them. each loop is more north-south long and has 2 connector trails through the midline and north of the water. each loop has various optional trails that always reconnect with the main loop. lots to explore and see. go to the back loop and take food to pick nick with your kids, etc. low impact hiking, public land open to hinring sept to dec (emi believe) so bright colors are recommended. 10/09/21 sat, saw no others and no hunters. very clean grounds, no trash, but also no trash receptacles on grounds. front entrance marked with signs and maps, history and lands descriptions."
"Drove by here a few times and decided to finally come out and hike around. Glad I did! I was expecting to be unimpressed but was taken in by the serenity of this location. Found a nice little wooded area to hang my hammock and relax with a book for a couple of hours. Saw a few hognose snakes basking on the trails so keep an eye out as I almost stepped on one."
"Wonderful prairie fields and wetlands. Some great natural views. A double loop easy to follow trail with a few trails into the neighboring woods. If you walk both loops, about 1.5 miles. Lots and lots of birds. Wetland birds, prairie birds, woodland birds. Great nature and not over used. I was out here for about 2 hours on a Sunday afternoon and saw no one!"
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