This 60 acre nature preserve protects a significant portion of Little Sand Bay on Beaver Island. The proximity of Little Sand Bay to the town of St. James and the general lack of public beach on the north end of the Island prompted a group of Island residents to designate the property as the number one priority for acquisition and preservation. A fund raising campaign succeeded in raising a large portion of the money needed, and Little Sand Bay was acquired by the Conservancy in 1994.

Thanks to the addition of a trail and footbridges at the Little Sand Bay Nature Preserve, visitors are able to explore this spectacular parcel on Beaver Island without having to jump over several sections of the creek that meanders throughout the property. Dr. James Gillingham along with other staff and students from the Central Michigan University Biological Station added several wooden footbridges along the trail. Walking this trail, visitors will experience mixed conifer forest, thick cedar swamp, and sand dune habitats. They can also enjoy a stroll along the 1,300 feet of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline. Lake Huron Tansy and other threatened or endangered species thrive here as well as the Michigan Monkey Flower, which only can be found in about 20 other known sites of the world.

Directions: From the Welke's airport, go south on East Shore Drive for approximately 1/8 of a mile. Then look for a sign on the left side of the road.