Land conservation efforts in Michigan

Al Sabo Land Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 6310 Texas Drive in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. This 741-acre nature preserve offers visitors a chance to explore a diverse range of ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and prairies. With over 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, visitors can enjoy scenic views, wildlife sightings, and peaceful surroundings. Whether you're looking for a relaxing afternoon in nature or a challenging outdoor adventure, Al Sabo Land Preserve has something for everyone to enjoy.

The Multi Lakes Conservation Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural beauty and wildlife of the surrounding area. Located at 3860 Newton Road in Commerce Charter Township, Michigan, this institution offers a variety of programs and initiatives to promote environmental stewardship and conservation efforts. With a focus on education, community engagement, and habitat restoration, the Multi Lakes Conservation Association is committed to ensuring the sustainability of the local ecosystem for future generations to enjoy. Visit their website or stop by their location to learn more about how you can get involved in their important work.

Chipman Preserve, located in Galesburg, Michigan, is a large park and tourist attraction managed by the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy. This preserve features restored prairie and oak savanna habitats, with miles of trails for hiking, running, and cross-country skiing. The trails wind through hilly terrain, showcasing a variety of flora and fauna throughout the seasons. Visitors can enjoy spring and summer wildflowers, fall colors, wildlife viewing, and more. Dogs are welcome at Chipman Preserve but must be kept on a leash at all times. The preserve is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, with ongoing habitat restoration efforts to support rare and endangered plants. The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy works with community partners to monitor and enhance wildlife habitats at the preserve.

Located at 14999 North Cathead Bay Drive in Northport, Michigan, the Lighthouse West Natural Area is a part of the Leelanau Conservancy. This institution offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, and snowshoeing across its 28 natural areas and preserves. The healing powers of nature are evident here, as visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Leelanau Peninsula. The Leelanau Conservancy was founded 33 years ago with a mission to conserve the land, water, and scenic character of Leelanau County. One of their earliest projects was the preservation of Victoria Creek, also known as the Cedar River or the Solon Swamp, with the help of passionate citizens. Another gem within the conservancy is the Hatlem Creek Preserve near Glen Lake, offering spongy wetlands and old two-track trails for exploration.

Leland Village Green: The Leelanau Conservancy is a park and tourist attraction located at 206 North Main Street in Leland, Michigan, United States. Visitors can explore 28 natural areas and preserves, offering activities such as hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, and snowshoeing. Spending time in nature has incredible healing powers for the mind and body. The institution's mission is to conserve the land, water, and scenic character of Leelanau County. Founded in 1988, the Conservancy is dedicated to protecting the unique landscape of the Leelanau Peninsula for future generations. Members of the community, such as Tom Balazs and Liz Ketterer, have become deeply connected to the Conservancy's mission and vision. They give back by supporting the organization and preserving the beautiful outdoor spaces they love to explore.

The Ingraham Preserve at the Cedar River Preserve, managed by The Leelanau Conservancy, is a 548-acre park located at 8813 South Lake Shore Drive in Cedar, Michigan, United States. This undisturbed wetland complex in the Solon Swamp is a crucial environmental asset that protects the health of Lake Leelanau. The preserve boasts a variety of ecosystems and micro-habitats, providing a sanctuary for wildlife such as sandhill cranes and rare wetland plants like the carnivorous yellow pitcher plant. With a Floristic Quality Index (FQI) of 91.1, the Cedar River Preserve is recognized as an area of significant conservation importance with exceptional native biodiversity. The Bart and Gail Ingraham Preserve, a recent 80-acre addition to the Cedar River Preserve, offers dry land access to one of the wildest places in Leelanau. Visitors can explore the newly opened Ridgeline Trail, which provides panoramic views of the Solon Swamp, Cedar River, and South Lake Leelanau. The preserve is a serene location for activities such as hiking, kayaking, and canoeing, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature's diverse beauty.

Located at 5234 South Lime Lake Road in Cedar, Michigan, the Teichner Preserve is a part of The Leelanau Conservancy, serving as a beautiful park and tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the 28 natural areas and preserves, offering a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, and snowshoeing. The institution believes in the healing powers of spending time in nature for both the mind and body. The Conservancy's mission is to conserve the land, water, and scenic character of Leelanau County. They began their work 33 years ago to save Victoria Creek, also known as the Cedar River or the Solon Swamp, with the help of passionate citizens. One of their preserves, Hatlem Creek Preserve, near Glen Lake, features spongy wetlands and an old two-track trail for visitors to enjoy.

Swanson Preserve: The Leelanau Conservancy is a park and tourist attraction located at 3952 Manitou Trail East, Cedar, Michigan, United States. Visitors can explore 28 natural areas and preserves, offering activities such as hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, and snowshoeing. Time spent in nature at Swanson Preserve has impressive healing powers for the mind and body. The institution's mission is to conserve the land, water, and scenic character of Leelanau County. Founded in 1988, the Conservancy is dedicated to protecting the unique landscape of the Leelanau Peninsula forever. Members of the Conservancy, like Tom Balazs and Liz Ketterer, feel connected to their home and community through their involvement with the organization. By becoming Sustainers Circle members, they contribute to conserving and maintaining the beautiful outdoor places they enjoy. Visit Swanson Preserve to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Leelanau County.

The McMullen Family Conservation Center is a serene park located at 2846 North Three Mile Road in Traverse City, Michigan. This institution is dedicated to the preservation and protection of the natural environment, offering visitors a peaceful retreat to connect with nature. With beautiful walking trails, educational exhibits, and a commitment to conservation, the McMullen Family Conservation Center is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Come explore and experience the beauty of Michigan's wildlife and landscapes at this wonderful park.

The Soil & Water Conservation District is a government agency located at 780 Commerce Drive in Marquette, Michigan, United States. The district is dedicated to promoting responsible land use practices to protect and preserve the natural resources of the area. They work with local farmers, landowners, and community members to implement conservation practices that help prevent erosion, improve water quality, and maintain healthy soil. The district also offers educational programs, technical assistance, and resources to support sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship in the region. Visit their office or website to learn more about their initiatives and how you can get involved in conservation efforts.

The Pilgrim Community Forest is a serene park located at 46411 Paradise Road in Houghton, Michigan, United States. This beautiful institution offers a peaceful retreat for visitors to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. With its lush greenery, winding trails, and tranquil atmosphere, the Pilgrim Community Forest is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply take in the sights and sounds of the forest, this park has something for everyone. Come visit the Pilgrim Community Forest and experience the beauty of nature in all its glory.

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.

DeYoung Natural Area is a park and tourist attraction located at 9509 East Cherry Bend Road in Traverse City, Michigan, United States. Visitors can explore the 28 natural areas and preserves, offering activities such as hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, and snowshoeing. The institution's mission is to conserve the land, water, and scenic character of Leelanau County. Founded in 1988, DeYoung Natural Area is dedicated to protecting the unique landscape of the Leelanau Peninsula. Members of the Conservancy feel connected to their home and are committed to giving back to the community. With a focus on conservation and preservation, DeYoung Natural Area offers a place for visitors to reconnect with nature and experience the healing powers of spending time outdoors.

Hannah Park is a beautiful park located at 213-217 Sixth Street in Traverse City, Michigan, United States. This park offers a serene and peaceful environment for visitors to enjoy nature and relax. In order to use the park for events or gatherings, there is a Parks & Public Land Use Application Fee of $500, with additional fees that may apply. Additionally, there is a Street Use Application Fee of $410, with additional fees that may apply as well.

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.

Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at Gilbert Road in Arcadia, Michigan, United States. Spanning over 3800 acres across Benzie County and Manistee County, this preserve offers 20 trail miles for visitors to explore and enjoy. Managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Arcadia Dunes provides a wide range of recreational activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, bird watching, mountain biking, and hunting. The preserve is open from dawn until dusk, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes of dunes, forests, and working farms.

Anderson Woods Nature Preserve is located at 3943 Simonelli Road in Muskegon, Michigan, United States. This park is a Category 1 LCWM nature preserve, featuring designated parking, well-marked trail systems, and interpretive signs. The two-mile Sandy Hansen Birding Trail offers visitors the chance to explore the forest and spot wildlife such as birds, deer, and turkeys. The South Loop is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, while the North Loop provides a more rustic experience. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan manages the preserve, focusing on keeping invasive species at bay and maintaining the health of the forest through prescribed burns. The preserve was generously donated by Judy Anderson in 2013, in honor of her father Theodore Anderson, who cherished the land. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving natural land in the region.

Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 10471 6 Mile Road Northeast in Rockford, Michigan. This Category 1 preserve offers easy access to a variety of unique ecosystems, including oak-hickory and beech-maple forests, hardwood swamps, vernal pools, sphagnum bogs, and tallgrass prairies. Visitors can explore three trail loops totaling 1.8 miles in length, each offering beautiful views and opportunities to spot wildlife. The preserve is home to Saul Lake Bog, one of Michigan's most biodiverse bogs, supporting over 90 native plant species and a wide variety of wildlife. A long-term ecological restoration project is underway to convert an old pasture into a native tallgrass prairie, expanding by one acre each year. The preserve also features forests and savannas that were previously cleared for farming, now being restored with the help of volunteers.

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.

The Wege Foundation Natural Area is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located in Lowell, Michigan, United States. The institution features a well-established system of trails that lead hikers through diverse habitats, including mature hardwood forests, young mixed woodlands, and old fields undergoing restoration. Visitors can cool off in Lee Creek, a coldwater tributary of the Grand River, and explore trails on the neighboring Wittenbach Center property. The trails at Wege Foundation Natural Area are marked with color-coded blazes on the trees, and the natural surface trail is 1.5 feet wide with a gentle grade. The institution is a Category 1 LCWM nature preserve, with designated parking and well-marked trail systems. Interpretive signs, overlooks, and points of interest are available for visitors to learn more about the area's natural beauty.

Located on Golden Elk Court in Gaylord, Michigan, the Gaylord City Elk Park Viewing Area is a unique institution that offers the public the opportunity to observe a majestic elk herd up close. Maintained by the City of Gaylord, this park and zoo provides a viewing area near the Elk's Lodge off Grandview at Elk View Park, where visitors can marvel at the roughly 40 elk roaming freely on 108 acres of land. City staff diligently care for the elk, feeding them a diet of corn, hay, sugar beets, and vitamins to ensure their health and well-being. The elk herd originally consisted of just three animals when it was established in the late 1980s after a local nature center closed down. Today, some of the bulls in the herd weigh over 800 pounds and stand at an impressive height of 6 feet. During the fall and winter, these majestic creatures sport massive horns, which they shed in the spring.

Susan Creek Nature Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 10966 Burgess Road in Charlevoix, Michigan, United States. The preserve boasts nearly a mile of frontage on Susan Creek and US-31, providing excellent wildlife habitat with wet meadows, black ash swamp, cedar thickets, ponds, and hardwoods. Visitors can explore 2.37 miles of trails, including a winter-only ski loop, and enjoy the diverse natural surroundings. This preserve is a success story in the protection of the scenic road corridor between Petoskey and Charlevoix, with funding from various organizations and foundations. The entrance to Susan Creek is conveniently located four miles east of Charlevoix city limits and 11 miles west of Petoskey, making it easily accessible for visitors. The preserve is adjacent to a 55-acre preserve owned by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

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.

St. Pierre Mountain Bike Trail is located in Saint Pierre, Arcadia, Michigan, United States. This park covers 3800 acres and offers 20 trail miles for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. Managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, this preserve is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, bird watching, mountain biking, and more. The park also participates in community science through the iNaturalist platform, allowing visitors to share their observations of flora and fauna found on the property. This collaborative effort between scientists and the public helps to further our understanding of the natural world and promote stewardship of the environment.

Located in Saugatuck, Michigan, the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area is a park and tourist attraction that offers a unique and diverse ecosystem for visitors to explore. Accessible from the adjacent Oval Beach Park, the natural area features hiking trails that loop through dunes, wetlands, and along the shores of Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River. Visitors can enjoy scenic views and spot migratory shorebirds at the beach. The area is home to rare plant and animal species, including the prairie warbler and Blanchard’s cricket frog, making it a significant conservation site. The interdunal wetlands in the natural area are globally imperiled, making their protection crucial for the surrounding ecosystem. The historic significance of the area, including the old mouth of the Kalamazoo River and the abandoned fishing settlement of Fishtown, adds to its appeal.

Cascade Peace Park is a serene and beautiful park located at 8900 Grand River Drive Southeast in Ada, Michigan. With two access points, visitors can enjoy hiking through the wooded hills and rolling terrain, listening to migratory warblers and Scarlet Tanagers in the spring. The park boasts a large block of mature hardwoods, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife including warblers, hawks, and owls. In addition to the forest, the park features an open meadow, a small stream, and wetlands. This property was preserved with the help of various organizations including the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and The Nature Conservancy. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan works to conserve natural land in the region and create public nature preserves. Come explore Cascade Peace Park and experience the tranquility of nature in the Grand Rapids metro area.

The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Humbug Marsh Unit, located in Trenton, Michigan, offers a peaceful escape from urban life and a chance to reconnect with nature. With over 6,200 acres of unique habitat spread across more than 30 parcels of land, this park is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Visitors can explore the Refuge Gateway and Humbug Marsh units, which include the John D. Dingell Jr. Visitor Center open Thursday - Sunday. The park features a variety of trails, from paved and level paths to dirt trails through ancient oak trees. Wildlife can be easily spotted, including cormorants, great blue herons, and bald eagles nesting along the Detroit River.

The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Office is a local government office and park located at 5437 West Jefferson Avenue in Trenton, Michigan, United States. The refuge offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from birdwatching to hiking. The John D. Dingell Jr. Visitor Center is open Thursday through Sunday, with hours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The grounds are open for self-guided visits seven days a week during daylight hours. The refuge is home to over 300 species of birds, including waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds. Millions of waterfowl migrate through the Great Lakes each year, with many species making a stop at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was established in 2001 to preserve the Lower Detroit River and Western Lake Erie, and is easily accessible to millions of people in the surrounding metropolitan areas.

Gratiot River County Park is a picturesque park located in Allouez, Michigan, United States. This popular tourist attraction offers stunning views of the Gratiot River as it flows through the lush greenery of the park. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, have a picnic in the designated areas, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The park is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Duncan Bay Nature Preserve, located at 829 Duncan Avenue in Cheboygan, Michigan, is a stunning park and tourist attraction that offers a unique opportunity to explore Lake Huron shore wetlands. This diverse ecosystem is home to a variety of migratory waterfowl and other water-dependent species, making it a vital area for conservation efforts. The preserve features an easy trail and boardwalk that lead visitors to the picturesque Lake Huron shoreline, providing a peaceful and immersive experience in nature. The original purchase of the land was made in 2014, with subsequent acquisitions funded through donations and a grant from Huron Pines. Additional funding was raised to construct a boardwalk and bridge, which was completed in the summer of 2019 and dedicated on August 24th of that year.