The Birge Nature Preserve, located about 2 miles west of Hessel in the Les Cheneaux area, is part of an impressive complex of cedar wetlands, hardwoods, a small lake, and more than 2000 feet of frontage on Lake Huron. The Conservancy received the 168 acre preserve on Point Brulee from long time Hessel residents Oliver and Edna Birge.

According to Oliver Birge, the old wheel road that crosses the property is part of the oldest road in the area. A short, quarter mile trail and boardwalk leads to Loon Lake, where one may see beaver, bald eagles, osprey, and many other mammals and birds. Tree swallows are quite common, and the wetland along the road leading to the preserve has dozens of tree swallow boxes.

Many native wildflower species are abundant at the Birge Preserve. Orchids, ladyslippers, gentian, asters, marsh marigold, Indian paintbrush, and iris, among many others can be found throughout the preserve. As in all the nature preserves of the Little Traverse Conservancy, you are invited to look and photograph, but leave things as they are for the next person to enjoy.

Directions: From Hessel take M-I34 west about 2 miles to Point Brulee Road. Follow Point Brulee Rd. about 1/4mile. The preserve is on both sides of the road.