Nature Preserves & Natural Areas

40 Years!

Nature Preserves & Natural Areas OF THE LITTLE TRAVERSE CONSERVANCY SPECIAL 40th ANNIVERSARY EDITION - 2012 Chaboiganing Preserve/TMPetersen Chaboiganing This 40th Anniversary edition of the Little Traverse Conservancy’s Guide to Nature Preserves & Natural Areas is dedicated to the vision and perseverance of those who founded this organization 40 years ago in 1972: John Fischer, David Irish, Edward Koza, Earl Larson, Seberon Litzenburger, Frank Pierce, and John Tanton. Special mention for this issue goes to volunteer photographer Todd Petersen whose photos appear throughout the guide. This guide is also dedicated to you, our members and supporters who make it possible for us to protect the natural integrity and scenic beauty of the North. Its maps and photo- graphs will help you to discover and explore our largest, most popular preserves as well as some of the small, neighborhood natural areas that dot the North Country. Use this guide to enjoy the natural beauty that our founders and all of our trustees, staff , and volunteers have worked hard to protect for you. All preserve lands are open to the public - conservation easements are not. In addition to the nature preserves and natural areas that are featured in this book, there are more than 20,700 acres of privately-owned land protected through Little Traverse Con- servancy with conservation easements. Though a conservation easement doesn’t make the land available to the public, it is a legally-binding document that ensures the perpet- ual protection of scenic and natural resources such as beautiful roadside views, important wildlife habitat, scenic and productive farm land, and other resources. So, as you journey around northern Michigan, please know that along with our more than 14,000 acres of nature preserves, more than twice as many acres in private lands are protected with conservation easements. Those private, easement-protected properties are an important part of the Conservancy’s program of ensuring that we preserve northern Michigan’s natural, scenic, and working landscapes. This book may be out of date — and that’s a good thing! Publishing this book is a risky business at Little Traverse Conservancy because as soon as we print it, our generous donors provide us with yet another wonderful nature preserve and the book becomes just a little bit obsolete. It’s a happy problem for us to have. Though we wish we could keep our printed preserve guide up to date, we want to be careful with our printing budget and your donated dollars. Please check our web site at www.landtrust.org for the very latest information on our nature preserves. printing date: August, 2012 page 2 PRESERVE GUIDELINES Little Traverse Conservancy works hard to balance the public uses off ered on our preserves with protection of their natural integrity and scenic beauty for future generations. Recreational, educational, and scientifi c use of the preserves is encour- aged, as long as it does not interfere with our primary goals of preservation and protection. We welcome you to explore and enjoy our beautiful preserves, keeping in mind that you are a temporary visitor to the homes of many plants and animals. Please enjoy hiking, birdwatching, cross-country Bicycling skiing, snowshoeing, fi shing, and similar low-impact activities. Many of the properties include water front- Canoeing or age and one could easily canoe or kayak these, but Kayaking please note that none of these properties include boat launch facilities for larger vessels. Fishing Please refrain from camping, fi res, dumping or littering, removal of vegetation, off -road vehicles, and Hiking and Snowshoeing snowmobiling.

Please remember: Horseback Riding • Hunting is allowed on designated preserves with written permission only. Visit www.landtrust.org Hunting (by written or contact the offi ce at 231.347.0991 for more permission only) information. • All dogs must be on a leash while visiting preserves. Parking Area

Please help us keep our preserves in good condition. Scenic view/ Contact the Conservancy offi ce at 231.347.0991 if you birdwatching notice any inappropriate activity on a preserve or if trails, parking areas, or signs need attention. Preserves Skiing (ungroomed and trails require a good deal of management and unless noted) maintenance and we greatly appreciate the assistance of the many individuals who help monitor and pro- Swimming beach vide stewardship for them. Marked Signs and maps Public parks are generally established to handle more Trails mark trails intensive use than our preserves and are maintained Trails by the state and local governments across the North. Not No signs or maps Marked Those parks established with help from the Conser- vancy are identifi ed in this guide. Please refer to the Geocache rules and regulations of the appropriate authorities when visiting these properties.

For interactive maps of preserves, visit www.landtrust.org. page 3 G

S 22 R 44

13 CCrossross VVillageillage 7

27 9 29

I E A 16 23

T EMMET COUNTY EMMET 14 32 11 10 U N 1 H L 20 5 31 15 12 17 F C O M D 28 2 19 30 21 26 Q J 8 24 25 4 18 K B P

6 page 4 EMMET COUNTY NATURE PRESERVES

EMMET COUNTY FEATURED PRESERVES A Philip J. Braun...... 6 B Bubbling Springs...... 7 C Cameron/Menonaqua/Huff y/Kuebler-Trippe...... 8 D Fochtman...... 9 E Goodhart Farms...... 10 F Hailand...... 11 G The Headlands (Emmet County)...... 12 H Inland Waterway complex...... 13 I Elmer Johnston ...... 14 J Ray Johnston...... 15 K Allan and Virginia McCune...... 16

L Naas, Mauger, Raunecker & Leslie...... 17 M Oden Island ...... 18 N Offi eld...... 19 O Round Lake ...... 20 P Skyline Trail (City of Petoskey)...... 21

Q Spring Lake Park (Bear Creek Township) ...... 22 R Stony Point/Smith/Veling...... 23 S Sturgeon Bay Dunes (State of Michigan) ...... 24 T Stutsmanville Bog ...... 25 U Thorne Swift (West Traverse Township) ...... 26 Thorne Swift Preserve/TMPetersen Thorne

OTHER EMMET COUNTY PRESERVES - pages 27-29 1 Arbaugh, Dean, Pack, Sharpe & Hansen 20 MacDonald 2 Black Hole 12 Meadowgate 3 Bryan Wildlife 21 Orchis Fen 4 Clark 22 Pachy 5 Clements 23 Petersen 6 Covert 15 Renker 7 Cranmer 24 Resort Township East Park 8 Curtis 25 Resort Township West Park 9 Dobson 15 Roaring Brook 10 Drayton 26 Rocky Point 11 Edwards 27 Ryan 7 Enje Nkweshdat Wat 17 Schachinger/Bartley 12 A.C. Fischer 28 Sharkey 13 Walter Fisher Family 7 Shurtleff 14 Five Mile Creek 29 Sims-Moff at Forest 15 James 30 South Round Lake 16 John 11 Weimer’s Lake 17 Kalman 31 West Wequetonsing 18 Kinglet 32 Charles S. Winston, Jr. 19 Laughbaum page 5 EMMET COUNTY Philip J. Braun Preserve

Size: 125 acres Pellston Frontage: 4,500 feet of the Maple River. Land Description: The uplands of this property are primarily hardwood and aspen with some red and white pine scattered throughout. Mixed conifer species dominate the lowland areas and riparian corridor. Several large planted ‘wildlife openings’ are established on the upland areas, and recent timber stand management is evidenced by the large amount of regenerating aspen in the southern half of the property. This preserve lies adjacent to the Pellston Pioneer Park and State of Michigan land. Trails: A short trail runs from the parking area to the river.

Directions: From the intersection of US-31 and Robinson Road on the south end of Pellston, turn west on Robin- son Road. The preserve entrance is 1/4 mile down on the south (left) side.

Trails Not Marked Todd Parker Todd page 6 EMMET COUNTY Bubbling Springs

Size: 15 acres Frontage: Just a few miles from downtown Petoskey, this 15-acre preserve off ers a short trail system and natural oasis for exploration. Enjoy a mix of mature upland hardwood forest and a swampy corridor with a small stream, while searching for the springs. Land Description: A mix of wetlands, uplands, and shoreline, this property provides a natural buff er in a highly developing region near town. Trails: There is a small parking area and a short trail leads towards the springs portion of the preserve.  Donated in 2008 by Jay and Clem N O’Neil.

Directions: From the intersection of US-31 and US-131 in Petoskey, travel south on US-131 1½ miles to Intertown Rd. Turn right (west) on In- tertown and travel 1.1 miles to the preserve on the left side of the road.

Marked Trails

page 7 EMMET COUNTY Cameron/Menonaqua/HuffEMMET COUNTY y/Kuebler-Trippe Fochtman Nature Preserve Size: Combined, more than 180 acres are protected with these preserves. Frontage: This complex of preserves includes frontage along Powell Road, Beach Road, and M-119 Harbor- Petoskey Road. Land Description: A signifi cant portion of land along what is considered the Gateway to Harbor Springs, these lands combine to create much of the green corridor that lies on the stretch between Petoskey and Harbor Springs. The Kuebler-Trippe and Huff y preserves are open for bow hunting. Trails: The Little Traverse Wheelway runs in front of the Huff y and Cameron Preserves. A short trail goes from the Wheel- way to benches at the edge of the woods of the Cameron Preserve. See p. 20 for Round Lake trail description trail.

Directions: From US-31 in Petoskey, take M-119 about 1½ miles north to Powell Road. This complex begins on the north end of Powell Road and covers both the left (west) and right (east) sides of the road. The Little Traverse Wheelway runs parallel to M-119.

Trails Not Marked page 8 EMMET COUNTY Fochtman

Size: 243 acres Frontage: More than ¼ mile on Round Lake and a stream that fl ows from Round Lake to Crooked Lake. Half mile of US-31 near Conway. Land Description: A mix of wetlands, uplands, and shoreline, this property off ers a natural buff er in a highly developing region. Trails: Rustic parking is available in three locations between Fochtman and Hailand preserves (see map). A short trail follows the lake and an old two-track road enters the property from the east from US-31. The North Country Trail also runs along the south shore of Round Lake.

The Fochtman Preserve was purchased at a signifi cant bargain sale from the Fochtman family in 2001. The land was one of the largest blocks of undeveloped land remaining between Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Its purchase was made possible with funds raised for the Conser- vancy’s Harbor Springs Greenbelt Program.

Directions to Hiawatha Trail parking: From Petoskey, drive north 2.6 miles on US-31 to M-119. Turn left on M-119 and go .8 mile and turn right on Hiawatha Trail. Travel approximately 1.2 miles and park on the left at the pull-off next to the lake.

Directions to US-31 (Conway) parking: From Petoskey, drive north on US-31 approximately 5.8 miles. Rustic parking is available on the left, across from the intersection of US-31 and Graham Road. Enter the preserve on the two-track road and park. Please do not drive any further into the preserve.

Trails Not Marked Marta Olson page 9 EMMET COUNTY GoodhartEMMET COUNTY Farms Fochtman Nature Preserve Size: 595 acres Land Description: The Goodhart Farms property is a mix of meadows, hay fi elds, and maple, beech, and ash forest. Old orchards and pine plantations are found on the property, and the rolling terrain off ers views of Lake Michigan. Trails: Three parking areas are available off ering access to 7½ miles of marked trails (3½ miles are groomed in winter) that are ideal for hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Please do not enter the hay fi elds but instead travel along the edges of the fi eld/forest margin. In 1994, Ed and Maureen Mayne purchased the farm from the estate of John Hannah, former president of Michigan State University. Hannah had been purchasing and piecing together smaller farms since the 1950s, using the land for his own cattle herd and for agricultural experi- ments through the University. Upon their purchase, the Maynes restored the soil for raising premium, high quality hay for race horses in the southern states. In late 2002, Ed and Maureen donated the Goodhart Farms property and associated buildings and equipment to Little Traverse Conservancy (the buildings and equipment have since been sold). It was the single largest donation ever given to the organization.

Directions: From Harbor Springs, take State Road north 9 miles to Robinson Road. Turn left on Robinson and travel 3½ miles to the beginning of the preserve at the Hannah Road intersection. Summer parking is off of Hannah, Lone Rock, and Church Roads. Winter parking is off of Robinson Road. Marked Trails page 10 EMMET COUNTY Hailand/Helstrom Family

Size: 50 acres/40 acres Frontage: Hailand Preserve includes 600 feet of a wetland Land Description/Trails: On the Hailand Preserve, an approximately quarter mile trail takes you to a beautiful wetland loved by waterfowl. The waters from these preserves drain to Crooked Lake a short distance away. Close to Fochtman Preserve. The Hailand Preserve was donated in 2007 in honor of Art and Sally Hailand. In 2012, funds from John Helstrom and Robert and Ruth Foun- tain were donated to create the Helstrom Family Preserve in memory of Mathias and Esther Helstrom.

Directions: From Petoskey, head north on US-31 6 miles to Conway. At the Conway stop light, turn left Trails Not onto West Conway Road for .2 miles. Look for Hailand Marked Preserve sign and parking on the right. Todd Parker Todd page 11 EMMET COUNTY The Headlands

Size: 600 acres Frontage: 2½ miles on the Straits of Mackinac Land Description: The largest and least disturbed forest tract in the Mackinaw City vicinity. Trails & Facilities: A paved road takes you to the facilities and the trailhead. Nearly 4½ miles of trails for cross-country skiing, hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking, and picnicking are all available at the Headlands. The property also includes two facilities for public rental. Contact Emmet County

 at 231.347.6536 for details N or visit www.emmet.mi.us/ parkrec/headlands.htm. Flanked by the Straits of Mackinac, the Headlands was designated an international Dark Sky Park in 2011. Thanks to a lack of major disturbance over the years, the land has re- mained relatively intact, providing for plant and wildlife diversity. The property is an important resting stop and staging area for Directions: raptors and neotropical birds migrating across the Straits. It is also From Mackinaw City, take Central home to the endangered Dwarf Lake Iris and is thought to be Avenue west for habitat for the threatened Lake Huron Tansy and Pitcher’s Thistle. 2 miles to its end. In 1996, the Conservancy assisted Emmet County in acquiring the Turn south (left) Headlands with a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources and go 1/3 mile Trust Fund. to the entrance road on the right.

Marked Trails page 12 EMMET COUNTY Inland Waterway/Lossing-Harrington/Kreag/Ponshewaing

Size: Four preserves totaling 57 acres Frontage: Combined, these preserves protect more than half a mile of Crooked Lake and Crooked River frontage. Fifteen hundred feet of frontage along US-31 protects the scenic wooded character of the area just south of the village of Alanson. Land Description: Ten acres of northern fen extend along the lake frontage on the Inland Waterway Preserve, vegetated with sedges, grasses and shrubs. The remainder of the preserves consists of rich conifer swamp dominated by northern white cedar. Trails: Only one trail on this preserve complex. Starting from the gate on Lake Street in Alan- son, the 1/4 mile long trail will take you to a scenic spot on the Crooked River. Although there is no boat landing site on these preserves, a gravel surfaced, limited depth boat launch site is located at the end of Lake Street near the Crooked River lock, and provides an access point for pad- dlers to enjoy the scenic lake frontage of these preserves. Directions: From the intersection of US-31 and M-68 in Waterfowl hunting (by written Alanson, go south .3 mile. Turn left on West Street and go permission only) is allowed at one block. Turn right on Lake Street and go .3 mile. There the Inland Waterway and Pon- is no formal parking area, but there is room to park along shewaing preserves; no hunting the road near the gate. is allowed at Lossing-Harrington Trails Not or Kreag. Marked

page 13 EMMET COUNTY Elmer Johnston

Size: 220 acres Land Description: A mix of mead- owlands and a rolling hardwood forest dominated by beech, sugar maple, and red oak. Trails: A small parking area exists and old logging trails provide nearly two miles of hiking. This preserve is located within a half mile of the Goodhart Farms Preserve off of Robinson Road. Once tilled farmland and more recently used for pasture, the hilltops off er magnifi cent views of Lake Michigan and Beaver Island. Mrs. Elmer Johnston donated the property in memory of her husband in 1982.

Directions: From Harbor Springs, take State Road 9 miles to Robinson Road. Turn left on Robinson and travel 4 miles to Church Road. Take a right on Church and travel Marked ½ mile to the Johnston Preserve on the right. Trails page 14 EMMET COUNTY Ray Johnston

Size: 52 acres

Frontage: 82 feet on Pickerel Lake Land Description: This land includes upland forested hardwoods dropping down to forested wetlands in the northwest corner. A steep bluff created by post-glacial Lake Algonquin runs along the north and east parts of the property.

Trails: More than one mile of trails.

Purchased in 2005, this preserve helps protect the Inland Water- way/Cheboygan River watershed. Todd Parker Todd Directions: From the intersection of M-119 and US-31 on the north end of Petoskey, follow US-31 ½ mile to Pickerel Lake Rd. Turn right and follow Pickerel Lake Rd. for approximately 7½ miles (the road has several confusing turns at intersections, so watch the road Marked signs). Turn left on Ellsworth Road, go about one mile, and turn left Trails on Artesian Lane. Look for parking lot and preserve sign.

page 15 EMMET COUNTY McCune

Size: 168 acres Frontage: 3,400 feet on Minnehaha Creek Land Description: Dominated by hardwood forest, the property includes red pine plantations, mead- ow, creek, and a cedar swamp. Trails: A small parking area leads to the trailhead. A trail system off ers roughly three miles of moderate hiking. This beautiful property was donated to the Little Traverse Conservancy in 1984 by Allan and Virginia McCune of Petoskey. Old two-tracks wind their way through the preserve as remnants of past logging days. The spring-fed Minnehaha Creek, which provides fi sh habitat, fl ows through the preserve on its way to Crooked Lake. The trails were dedicated to Allan Purchis whose family homesteaded the land. A replacement footbridge was con- structed in 1997 across the east branch of the creek with funds from the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation in memory of Ellen Pray Bondy.

Directions: From Petoskey, take Mitch- ell Road 7 miles east to Maxwell Road. Turn right and go ¾ mile to the parking area on the right side of the road.

Marked Trails TMPetersen page 16 EMMET COUNTY Naas, Mauger, Raunecker, Leslie

Size: 45 acres combined Land Description: A mixed conifer-deciduous forest and cedar swamp. Located between Second and Fourth streets, these adjacent preserves are just a few blocks west of downtown Harbor Springs. Trails: A fl at, easy trail that includes boardwalk over wet areas and connects local roads for neighborhood pathways. The Naas, Mauger, and Raunecker Preserve was donated in the late 1980s by the Naas and Mauger families in memory of Richard H. and Lydia Naas Raunecker. The original Leslie Preserve was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord Leslie in 1981. A small addition to the Leslie Preserve was donated anonymously in 2005. TMPetersen Directions: From Main Street in downtown Harbor Springs, travel west past Holy Childhood Church until the road dead ends on Traverse Street. Take a right and travel four blocks to Fourth Street. Turn left. The preserve entrance is about ¼ mile on the left. The trail will cross Second Street and pick up again to take you across the Leslie Preserve and over to Glenn

Trails Not Marked page 17 EMMET COUNTY Oden Island

Size: 50 acres Frontage: One mile on Crooked Lake Land Description: This preserve is composed of large old-growth trees and fragile wetlands. Trails: Parking is found at the trailhead. Approximately one mile of foot trails skirt the island’s eastern perimeter. Look for two benches along the way for enjoying lakeside views. A successful fundraising eff ort in 2000 resulted in the Conservancy’s purchase of this large, undeveloped waterfront property. The purchase closed the door on a controversial 34-unit subdivision proposed for the site. Now the preserve helps maintain the water quality of Crooked Lake which lies near the upper portion of the Inland Waterway, a 40-mile navigable waterway that boaters can take all the way into Lake Huron at Cheboygan. The protection of this property was an ideal example of a community coming together. A window of only three months was available to raise almost $1 million for the purchase. The result was an outpouring of support from many individuals, a family foundation, the lake association, and Littlefi eld Township. TMPetersen

Directions: From Petoskey, take US-31 north 3¼ miles to Pickerel Lake Road. Turn right and follow 4 miles until Pickerel turns into Channel Road. Follow Channel Road 1 mile to Oden Island Road and turn left. Once on the island, turn right on Leeward Drive and go to the end until you see the Conservancy logo sign.

Marked Trails page 18 EMMET COUNTY Offi eld

Size: 390 acres Land Description: Just a few miles from downtown Harbor Springs, this preserve has become a favorite community destination for hiking, dog walking, or nature classes. A mix of open meadows and hilly woods with plenty of hills are found within its boundaries. Trails: Nearly four miles of trails and old two-tracks roam the hills and fi elds of this preserve. Maps are found at the many intersections. This is a frequent destination for dog walkers (required by law to be on leash). Purchased in 2009 in large part with a grant from the Offi eld Family Foundation.

Directions: From Petoskey, head north on US-31 2.6 miles to M-119. Turn left and follow M-119 3.2 miles to Pleasantview Road. Continue north on Pleasantview Rd. 1½ miles to Quick Rd. and turn left. Look for parking area ½ mile down Quick Rd. on the left.

Marked Trails

page 19 EMMET COUNTY Round Lake

Size: 58 Acres Frontage: 2,500 feet Round Lake Land Description: Vegetation Conservancy includes mixed hardwoods and offi ce conifer forest, lowland cedar swamp, and marshlands along the lake. Trails: Parking is next to the Con- servancy offi ce. Easy trails cover almost one mile and include a lake overlook. Land that is now the Round Lake Preserve was once used by Native Americans as part of the Inland Water Route. This waterway travels 40 miles through several lakes and streams, eventually emp- tying into Lake Huron in Cheboy- gan. The original 40-acre preserve was donated to the Little Traverse Conservancy by the Wrigley Offi eld Family in 1980 with additional acreage purchased in 1984-86 by the people of L’Arbre Croche. This preserve is often used by school groups for environmental education programs.

Directions: From US-31 in Petoskey, take M-119 about 1½ miles north to Powell Road. Turn right on Powell and take the fi rst driveway on the right, which is the entrance to the Little Traverse Conservancy offi ce. The trailhead is directly off of the parking lot.

Marked Trails page 20 EMMET COUNTY - CITY OF PETOSKEY Skyline Trail

Size: 65 acres

Land Description: From atop this hill are sweeping views of Lit- tle Traverse Bay and the Bear River Valley. This property lies adjacent to more than 865 acres of city of Petoskey land, as well as additional land owned by the county and the state, plus land connected through privately-granted easements. At an elevation of more than 1200 feet, the views are dramatic.

Trails: Skyline Trail is part of the North Country Trail (NCT) system,  so the hiking is virtually endless. N (www.northcountrytrail.org. This section is maintained by the Tit- tabawassee chapter of the NCT). Directions: From Petoskey head east on Mitchell St. 1.7 miles to Division Rd. Right on Division .8 The Conservancy assisted the City miles to Atkins Rd. Left on Atkins .5 miles to Cedar of Petoskey with acquiring this Valley Rd. Right on Cedar Valley .5 miles to Green- parcel and constructing an over- wood Rd. Left and follow Greenwood around look platform off ering spectacular curve 1½ miles to four way intersection. Continue views of the Petoskey region. The south onto Brubaker Rd. 1 mile to Krause Rd. Right on Krause 1 mile. Sign and parking on the right. property was a logical location for diverting a portion of the North Marked Country Trail away from a road. Trails

page 21 EMMET COUNTY - BEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP Spring Lake Park

Size: 22 acres Frontage: Most of the Spring Lake shoreline. Land Description: This park lies along Spring Lake and provides a natural oasis just outside of Petoskey. Trails & Facilities: A paved parking lot is found directly off M-119. A gazebo, overlook, boardwalked trails, water and restroom facilities,  N picnic tables, and a fi shing platform are available. Spring Lake Park marks the beginning of the “Gateway to Harbor” corridor, a high priority land protection region for the Conservancy which stretches along M-119 between Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Located across from the Indian Hills Trading Post, the park is a favorite place for fi shing, picnicking, and observing wildlife. Approximately half the lake frontage was obtained by Bear Creek Township in 1988 with Conservancy help. A Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant, obtained by the township and Conservancy in 1995, enabled the township to purchase the remaining half of Spring Lake frontage on M-119. Aided by a donation of a quarter of the property’s appraised value from the property owners, the acquisition was completed using monies from special set-asides for transportation enhancement projects through a federal high- way program. With the additional land obtained, this township park now includes all the lake frontage along M-119. Another grant was received in the late 1990s to develop the parking area, restrooms, and the interpretive trail.

Directions: From US-31 in Petoskey, take M-119 Marked north less than ½ mile. The park is on the right. Trails page 22 EMMET COUNTY Stony Point/Smith/Veling

Size: Three preserves combine for 196 acres Frontage: Stony Point includes 3,000 feet of frontage on Paradise Lake. Land Description: A combination of protected shoreline and uplands. A lakefront park owned by Carp Lake Township lies along borders of the Smith and Stony Point preserves. Trails: A short trail to a shoreline viewpoint on the Stony Point Preserve. A trail is also found on the township park property.

Stony Point was protected largely through a grassroots eff ort. The Smith Pre- serve was sold at a bargain sale from Steven Smith. He named the preserve after the grandfather who gave him the land. The Veling Preserve is named after the previous landowners who also sold it at a reduced price.

Directions: From the intersection of US-31 and Gill Rd. in Carp Lake, turn toward the lake and travel left along Paradise Trail for 4 miles. Turn right on Paradise Lake Rd. and travel to Lakeshore Dr. Turn right and about ½ mile down on the right, look for the preserve sign and parking area. A rustic trail heads to the water.

Trails Not Marked page 23 EMMET COUNTY - STATE OF MICHIGAN (WILDERNESS STATE PARK) Sturgeon Bay Dunes

Size: 750 acres  N Frontage: 4,100 feet on Lake Michigan Land Description: Unques- tionably one of the most beloved public beaches in northwestern Lower Michigan. Trails & Facilities: A township park is at the center of the property’s length where a turn- around is available. Roadside parking is also available providing shoreline access. The North Country Trail runs through the back dunes of the park.

In 1991, Sand Products Corporation sold this one-of-a-kind property to the State of Michi- gan, adding signifi cant and much desired acreage to Wilderness State Park. The property includes habitat for the endangered Piping Plover and four threatened species of plants (Lake Huron Tansy, Pitcher’s Thistle, Pumpell’s Bromegrass and Houghton’s Goldenrod). The acquisition was a grassroots eff ort mobilized in the 1970s largely by Kathy Bricker (fi rst LTC board chair) and Conservancy co-founder John Tanton. Their group proposed expansion of the boundaries of Wilderness State Park to include the land. Others involved in the dune protection included The Nature Conservancy-Michigan chapter, Petoskey Regional Audubon Society, Michigan and Petoskey Garden Clubs, Trout Unlimited, Save Our Bay, Ducks Unlimited, and countless other individuals.

Directions: From Cross Village, follow M-119 north along the coast approximately 5 miles until it dead ends at Sturgeon Bay Trail. Turn left and you will soon be at public shoreline. Todd Parker Todd page 24 EMMET COUNTY Stutsmanville Bog

Size: 65 acres Land Description: One of the best examples of a fen or peatland in northern Michigan. Trails: A parking lot as well as a ¼ mile trail which leads to the bog overlook and interpretive signs. In 1999, the Conservancy purchased a large portion of the beautiful Stutsmanville Bog, an Dorian Gretchen area that has been the subject of many ecological studies. The acquisition was made possible, in part, by a bargain sale from the sellers and with funds from the family of Julia Wells Terry. A bog is a unique type of wetland dominated by organic soil known as peat. Bogs are also known for unusual plants such as the carnivorous pitcher plant and sundew which receive their nutrients by entrap- ping and digesting insects! Wetlands are extremely important for fi ltering water that fl ows through them. Please be sensitive to the fragile nature of this ecosystem when visiting. Even sporadic foot traffi c Directions: From Harbor Springs, off the trails can take State Road north approximately permanently damage fi ve miles. Look for the preserve sign on the right-hand side of the road. Marked the vegetation. A parking lot holds a few cars. Trails

page 25 EMMET COUNTY Thorne Swift

Size: 30 acres Frontage: 950 feet along Lake Michigan with 300 feet as a public beach Land Description: A mix of upland dunes and lowland cedar swamp along with Great Lakes shoreline. Trails & Facilities: A large parking lot lies adjacent to the Elizabeth Kennedy Nature Center. A total of 1½ miles of trail, dune observation platform, pond observation platform, gazebo, amphitheatre, and seasonal guided programs all make this an excellent family destination. In 1981, Elizabeth Kennedy donated the Thorne Swift property to Little Traverse Conservancy. The Conservancy leases the property to West Traverse Township as a nature park. The preserve and nature center are open daily 10 am to ½ hour after sunset from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Parking fee is $3 for non-township residents (no charge for Conservancy members). Call 231.526.6401 for current programs or information on extended sea- sons and hours.

Directions: From Harbor Springs, take M-119 northwest 3.8 miles to Lower Shore Drive. Follow Lower

Shore Drive for ½ Marked mile. The preserve Trails sign is on the left. TMPetersen page 26 OTHER Emmet County PRESERVES

he following are Conservancy nature preserves that are not featured in the fi rst portion of the county’s description. See the Emmet County map on p. 4 for general location of Tthese properties or visit www.landtrust.org to view interactive, printable trail maps. Arbaugh, Dean, Pack, Sharpe & Hansen serve was donated in memory of Duncan 2 acres 2010 C. Dobson Jr. by his family. West Traverse Township. Neighbors pooled together to create this scenic preserve with Drayton 40 acres 2004 more than a quarter mile of M-119 frontage. Littlefi eld Township. Purchased at a signifi cant bargain price from Ken and Kathy Black Hole 5.5 acres 2005 Drayton. Located in the Crooked River Littlefi eld Township. Located on the Pickerel- watershed, this preserve is mostly wetlands. Crooked Lakes Channel. Local fundraising and a grant from the J.A. Woollam Founda- Edwards 3 acres 1987 tion made it possible. West Traverse Township. Donated by Herbert and Lorraine Edwards, this preserve is a slim Bryan Wildlife 180 acres 1984 + scenic buff er. McKinley Township. Donated by Mr. and Mrs. Garth P. Bryan, Mr. and Mrs. Garth M. Bryan, Enje Nkweshdat Wat 35 acres 1991 Joey Arbaugh, Bradley and Cynthia Claes, Cross Village Township. Donated by Sarah and Steven and Jane Roberts. McPharlin. M-119 Scenic Corridor. Clark 5 acres 2004 A.C Fischer 68 acres 1973+ City of Petoskey. Donated by Sally Clark, this Little Traverse Township. Donations from preserve is adjacent to property and trails Susan Bissell, Mr. and Mrs. John Fischer, Jack owned by North Central Michigan College. and Jacqueline Burley, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Fairbairn, Margaret Fisk, and Dr. and Mrs. Clements 16 acres 1992 Marshall Morley.y. Littlefi eld Township. Donated by Mr. Forrest Clements who left the property in his will. Walter Fisher Family 41 acres 1994+ Includes views of Crooked Lake. Cross Village Township. Donated by the Walter Fisher Family. Includes a quarter mile Covert 85 acres 1980 frontage on Lake Michigan. Resort Township. Donated by Dorothy Covert in memory of her husband, Harold. Five Mile Creek 90 acres 1997+ Located near north arm of Walloon Lake. West Traverse Township. Donors include William and Cheryl VonValtier, Joyce Smith, Cranmer 4½ acres 1990 and Bob and Virginia Horner. M-119 Scenic Cross Village Township. Donated by Mr. and Corridor. Mrs. William Cranmer. M-119 Scenic Corridor. James 6 acres 1984+ Curtis 25 acres 2010 Little Traverse Township. Donated by Dan Bear Creek Township. Located adjacent to and Ruby James, George and Lyda James, Bay View Woods, this preserve was donated Dannie Bea Hightower, and Mr. and Mrs. by Martha Curtis and includes a mix of Davis Family Trust.. forest and fi eld with views of Little Traverse Bay. Just outside of Petoskey city limits. John 11 acres 1997 Friendship Township. Donated by the John Dobson 8 acres 2009 Family. M-119 Scenic Corridor. Readmond Township. Lying along the M-119 corridor just south of Good Hart, this pre- page 27 OTHER Emmet County PRESERVES

Kalman 71 acres 1981 Meadowgate 11 acres 1978+ Little Traverse Township. Majority of land Little Traverse Township. Donated by Mr. donated by Andrew Kalman with ad- and Mrs. Leo Desimpel, Mr. and Mrs. C. ditional land gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Max Donnelly, Robert and Carolyn Sandford, Goldman Jr., Mr. Max Goldman, III, Jerry and and FIDODE. Martha Rockwell, and Frank and Catherine Shumway. Orchis Fen 38 acres 1984 Bear Creek Township. Protected in conjunc- Kinglet 83 acres 2002/2011 tion with the Michigan chapter of The Resort Township. Located near Bay Harbor, Nature Conservancy. this project was funded through the US- John & Julia Pachy 36 acres 2011 31 Corridor Protection Program. Carp Lake Township. Purchased at a Laughbaum 2 acres 2003 bargain price from cousins Jim Moss and Springvale Township. Located on causeway Al Owens. Includes 1,500 feet of Paradise to Oden Island with 1,100 feet of Crooked Lake frontage. Lake frontage. Petersen 10 acres 2011 MacDonald 14 acres 1990 Friendship Township. This preserve links Little Traverse Township. Donated by Mur- together more than 350 acres of conser- ray and Katherine MacDonald. Along vation-easement protected land and state M-119 between Petoskey and Harbor land. Springs. Renker .5 acre 2007 Little Traverse Township. Located within the Harbor Springs Greenbelt, this preserve includes 250 feet of frontage along M-119.

Resort Township’s East & West Parks Resort Township. Flanking Bay Harbor on both ends, these parks both include large paved parking lots and access to Little Traverse Bay. East Park includes a large picnic pavilion and fl ush toilets. Both lie along the Little Traverse Wheelway bike path. LTC worked with the township to secure these with a grant from the Michi- gan Natural Resources Trust Fund in 1995. Roaring Brook 20 acres 1997 Little Traverse Township. Located just outside of Harbor Springs adjacent to Roaring Brook Association property.

Rocky Point 27 acres 1986 Springvale Township. 2,000 feet frontage on Crooked Lake. Accessible only by boat. Predominantly swamp consisting of northern white cedar and balsam fi r. McCune/TMPetersen page 28 Stutsmanville Bog/Todd Parker Bog/Todd Stutsmanville

Ryan 50 acres 1998 South Round Lake 10 acres 1991+ Cross Village Township. Gift from Marion Bear Creek Township. Four acres of this pre- Ryan. Located along both sides of M-119 serve were donated by the M-119 Devel- Scenic Corridor. opment Group. Schachinger/Bartley 6 acres 1980+ Weimer’s Lake 12 acres 1987 Little Traverse Township. Donated by John West Traverse Township. Donated by Eliza- and Helen Schachinger and John and beth Kennedy, this preserve lies adjacent to Jane Bartley. Thorne Swift Nature Preserve. Reg and Vivian Sharkey West Wequetonsing 14 acres 1973 3.2 acres 2004/2011 Little Traverse Township. Donated by Jean Bear Creek Township. Purchased in honor of and Janell Everest. Located between Ot- Reg and Vivian. Includes mouth of creek tawa Stadium and Pennsylvania Avenue that drains Round Lake to Crooked Lake. just outside of Harbor Springs. Shurtleff .4 acres 1977 Charles S. Winston, Jr. 50 acres 2005 Cross Village Township. Located on a bluff West Traverse Township. Purchased with between M-119 and Lower Shore Drive donations to the Harbor Springs Greenbelt in Cross Village next to Legs Inn. Provides Program and protected in honor of a long- magnifi cent views of Lake Michigan. time Conservancy board member.. Sims-Moff at Forest 70 acres 1986 Center Township. Donated by Mrs. Marion Moff at. Located near Larks Lake, the property is managed for sustainable timber production.

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