Bailey-Lagerstrom Nature Preserve
All dogs must be on a leash!
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Size
422 acres
Frontage
More than two miles of St. Marys River frontage.
Land Description
The Bailey-Lagerstrom Preserve is one of Little Traverse Conservancy’s most enormous, wild, and remote nature preserves. Located within the St. Mary’s River migration corridor, its pristine wetland and shoreline habitats make it essential for migratory birds and wildlife.
Trail Description
Despite its remoteness and lack of “traditional” trails, this preserve is relatively easy to access. From the parking area, hike on an old road. If you make it beyond the pond, the road curves to the left near the shore, and you can cut west through the woods to the rocky Lake Nicolet shoreline or continue walking south on the old road.
History
Acquired in 2004 as three separate projects, the purchase of this nature preserve was funded by the J.A. Woollam Foundation, the North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) program, and Michigan Audubon. The preserve was named in honor of Tom Bailey and Tom Lagerstrom, Little Traverse Conservancy’s long-time Executive Director and Associate Director.
Directions
ADDRESS: 1100 S. Homestead Road, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan From downtown Sault Ste. Marie, travel east to the Sugar Island ferry. Once on the island, drive 3.7 miles east on 1½ Mile Road. Turn right on Brasser Road. Drive 11 miles south on Brasser (which turns into Homestead Road after about 4.5 miles). The parking area is on Homestead Road on the right at a big curve. Give yourself at least 15 minutes to get back to the ferry. The ferry returns to the mainland in an hour and a half hour.
Check out the plants and animals found at this preserve using the iNaturalist guide below. Help us document more with iNaturalist.org and eBird.org.
