Native plants in South Haven, Michigan

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.

Black River Preserve, located in South Haven, Michigan, offers visitors a diverse range of habitats to explore, including deep ravines, beech-maple forests, streams, and rolling uplands. The park features hiking trails, bridges, and boardwalks constructed by the dedicated volunteer group, the Black River Stewards. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, bird watching, and more. The preserve has 120 acres of heavily rolling forest with wet meadows and upland fields. It provides nesting habitat for waterfowl and waterbirds, as well as breeding grounds for various bird species. A botanical census found 400 plant species, 85% of which are native to Southwest Michigan.