The Best Forest conservation in Spring Lake, Michigan

Seven Springs Nature Preserve is a stunning park located at 2787 Chippewa Beach Road in Indian River, Michigan, United States. This preserve is home to numerous springs along the shore, providing habitat for endangered species. The upper portions of the preserve feature beautiful upland forest, while the lower portions boast densely forested wetlands below a dramatic bluff. The wave-swept shore consists of cobble beaches and beds of emergent rushes, creating a suitable habitat for fish and other aquatic life. A local favorite for great views and light hiking, Seven Springs Nature Preserve offers 1.2 miles of trails and a lake overlook from the parking area. The Harris and Weiss families of Columbus Beach played a vital role in initiating the protection of this land, partnering to fund its purchase and coordinate fundraising efforts with support from Columbus Beach families, Burt Lake residents, and resorters.

Silver Lake Park is a picturesque park located at 16070 Willowshores Drive in Fenton, Michigan. This stunning park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with its tranquil lake, lush greenery, and peaceful walking trails. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the water's edge, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun day out in nature, Silver Lake Park is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Round Lake Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 3264 Powell Road in Harbor Springs, Michigan, United States. Formerly known as the Little Traverse Bay Golf Club, this beautiful property was transformed into a nature preserve in early 2020. The goal of the preserve is to protect the natural diversity and beauty of northern Michigan by preserving significant land and scenic areas, while also fostering appreciation and understanding of the environment. Thanks to the generous support of the Offield Family Foundation, most of the purchase price was covered, allowing the Little Traverse Conservancy to acquire the property and ensure its long-term protection. Visitors to Round Lake Nature Preserve can now enjoy the peaceful surroundings, explore the diverse ecosystems, and appreciate the natural beauty of this special place. Whether you're a nature lover, a hiker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Round Lake Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination in Harbor Springs.

Hagerman Lake Recreation Area is a beautiful park located in Iron River, Michigan, United States. This serene and picturesque destination offers visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The park features a stunning lake, perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore the natural beauty of the area, Hagerman Lake Recreation Area is the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature.

The Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve, located in Michigan, United States, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction dominated by hardwood forest. The property also includes red pine plantations, a meadow, a creek, and a cedar swamp. Visitors can explore roughly 4 miles of trails and enjoy the spring-fed Minnehaha Creek, which flows through the preserve on its way to Crooked Lake. The preserve was generously donated to the Little Traverse Conservancy in 1984 by Allan and Virginia McCune. Additional features such as footbridges, parking areas, and trail systems have been added over the years with support from the community and in memory of loved ones. Two parking areas are available for visitors to access the preserve, with addresses provided for both the West and East parking areas. Don't forget to check out the plants and animals at the preserve using the iNaturalist guide and help document more species with iNaturalist.org and eBird.org.

The Hoogland Family Nature Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 4135 South Lake Shore Drive in Harbor Springs, Michigan, United States. Spanning nearly 3,000 feet along Scenic Heritage Route M-119, also known as the Tunnel of Trees, this preserve offers a unique natural experience. The landscape of the preserve varies, with flat areas on the west side and rolling ridges to the east. The forest is filled with large red oak trees and features a classic maple and beech northern upland forest typical of northwestern Emmet County. In the spring, the woods come alive with trillium, trout lily, spring beauty, and other spring ephemerals.

Pilgrim Haven Natural Area is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located in South Haven Charter Township, Michigan, United States. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks through the spring wildflowers, explore the beech-maple forest trails, search for water critters in Dyckman Creek, or relax on the Lake Michigan shoreline. The institution offers maps, information on how to get there, details on natural features and conservation efforts, preserve history, and a photo gallery. Accessibility is a priority at Pilgrim Haven, with a gently sloping concrete path leading to the beach for those using mobility devices. The beach itself may vary between sandy and rocky, depending on the year. Visitors are welcome to collect a small number of rocks for study or souvenirs, but large quantities are prohibited.

Minnie Skwarek Nature Preserve, located at 15160 Leonard Road in Spring Lake, Michigan, is a peaceful park and tourist attraction that offers a well-marked trail system through towering hardwood forests and over a babbling stream. The preserve is particularly stunning in early spring when colorful carpets of skunk cabbage and marsh marigold cover the wetlands. The trails are marked with blue blazes on the trees and offer a natural surface with occasional boardwalks. The preserve is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including Michigan lily, swamp saxifrage, and various songbirds during migration seasons. The preserve is situated on a flat, sandy lake plain formed by Glacial Lake Chicago and contains an important wetland complex that protects water quality in the Grand River. The property was once owned by Ruth Skwarek, who lived on the land for most of her life and wanted to ensure it would never be developed. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan worked with Ruth to preserve the property through her will, and the preserve was named in honor of her mother, Minnie.

Holliday Nature Preserve, located at 6935 North Hix Road in Westland, Michigan, is a park and tourist attraction that is part of the Wayne County Parks system. Spanning over 500 acres of forests and wetlands along the Rouge River tributaries, the Preserve offers a serene and picturesque setting in the midst of the bustling county. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography in this natural oasis. The Holliday Nature Preserve Association (HNPA) was established in 1988 by volunteers dedicated to the William P. Holliday Forest & Wildlife Preserve. Named in memory of William P. Holliday, the preserve aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the local natural environment through guided walks and educational programs. The organization collaborates with Wayne County Parks to enhance visitor experiences through maintenance and improvements.