George and Althea Petritz Nature Preserve

All dogs must be on a leash!

And please clean up after your pooches while using the trails. Learn More

Size

27 acres

Frontage

500 feet on Lake Michigan.

Land Description

The natural habitat for deer, wild turkey, and other animals and the state threatened Pitcher’s Thistle and Lake Huron Tansy. From the beach, you will have views of the Garden, Hog, and Squaw islands. The preserve provides significant waterfowl and migratory bird habitat.

Trail Description

Located at the northeast end of Beaver Island, this preserve is within walking distance from St. James Bay and town. A trail from the road takes you to the beach.

History

In 2005, John Woollam started a vision of land protection for this beautiful corner of Beaver Island. Over the next several years, he made a series of six purchases to form the Petritz Preserve and then named it in honor of the family from whom he purchased the original 13 acres. In his description of the preserve, he wrote, “People, animals, plants, and trees allowed. All other human-made structures or objects are prohibited. I would like it to remain a place to appreciate nature quietly.”

Directions

ADDRESS: 25553 Lake Drive, Beaver Island, MI 49782
From St. James, take Main Street 0.7 miles north out of town. Turn left onto Lake Drive and travel 0.2 miles to the preserve sign on your left. Park on the side of the road.

Printable Trail Map

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.

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