Nature Preserves of the
Little Traverse Conservancy
The Little Traverse Conservancy owns and manages more than 164 nature preserves within our five-county service area (Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Mackinac, and Chippewa counties). Several additional properties are owned by local units of government, but were protected with assistance from the Conservancy. Click below left for a map of the most featured preserves.
For those of you with Garmin GPS systems, click here for a custom Preserve map and instructions on loading it onto your GPS.
Want something to hold in your hands? A Preserve Guide Map is available through our office or here on the web. Please call 231.347.0991 if you would like us to send you a copy. Preserve Guide Map . In addition, we have a full preserve guide booklet last updated in 2007. You can view it here, or please call the office for a copy.
Andreae Preserve Cabin (located east of Indian River). The cabin at the Andreae Nature Preserve located along the Pigeon River is available for use by community groups such as scouts or other non-profits or education groups. Click here for more information.
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve (located north of Harbor Springs) is the only Conservancy nature preserve that includes an interpretive center. The preserve is managed and maintained by West Traverse Township. It is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 7 days a week from 10 am to 1/2 hour after sunset. A $3 parking fee is required per car for non-township residents.
Please keep in mind the following guidelines as you visit a preserve or natural area.
Guidelines
The Conservancy works hard to balance the public uses offered on our preserves with protection of their natural integrity and scenic beauty for future generations. Recreational, educational, and scientific use of the preserves is encouraged, 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 skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, and similar low-impact activities.
Please refrain from: Snowmobiling, camping, fires, dumping or littering, removal of vegetation, off-road vehicles.
Please remember:
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Hunting is allowed only on
designated preserves and with written permission only. Contact the Conservancy office at (231) 347-0991 for more information or to receive a permission form. Below is a linke to the online hunting form. Once received, a copy will be signed and returned to you. Please note that you must have the signed form with you while hunting.
Little Traverse Conservancy's online hunting form
- State law requires that all dogs must be on a leash while visiting preserves.
Please help us keep our preserves in good condition. Contact the Conservancy office at (231) 347-0991 if you notice any inappropriate activity on a preserve or if trails, parking areas, or signs need attention. Preserves and trails require a good deal of management and maintenance. We appreciate the assistance of the many individuals who help monitor and provide stewardship for our preserves and trails. Please contact our office if you are interested in participating in the Conservancy's stewardship program.
Public parks are generally established to handle more intensive use than our preserves and are maintained by the state and local governments across the North. Those parks which have been established with help from the Conservancy are identified. Please refer to the rules and regulations of the appropriate authorities when visiting these properties.
