In the early 1900s, the property was used for storing and transporting lumber for a local saw mill. All tracks and buildings associated with the lumber yard have been gone since the early 1930s when Dawn’s grandfather, Adolph Gauthier, purchased the land. Dawn recalls that he grew Christmas trees there at least 50 years ago. “The land is known as the ‘Gauthier’ property,” she explains. “I remember catching leopard frogs there as a child, and I’ve been told that albino deer have been sighted there.”

Conservancy land protection specialist Ty Ratliff agrees that a rich diversity of wildlife can thrive on this “pocket” preserve, even this close to town. “Neighbors have noted fox, deer, coyote, grouse, woodcock, and a large variety of songbird,” Ratliff said. “This past spring, we viewed immature eagles, an osprey, and several other migrating birds,” he added.

The new nature preserve is situated adjacent to a large block of land owned by the City of Cheboygan, expanding and creating the possibilities for educational field trips. “This property will be especially suited for snowshoe
outings,” said Alison Berry, Conservancy education specialist. Berry emphasized that education staff have
been eager to find more locations for school-aged children in the Cheboygan area to visit for nature outings.
Officially, the property is now named the Adolph and Margaret Gauthier Nature Preserve.

All Conservancy preserves are open to the general public for nature enjoyment. For maps and descriptions of those properties best suited for use, visit the Conservancy’s website at www.landtrust.org.