Chaboiganing Nature Preserve / Indian Point Memorial Forest
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Size
Chaboiganing Nature Preserve (LTC): 194 acres
Indian Point Memorial Forest (UMB): 290 acres
Land Description
The Chaboiganing Preserve is a mixture of both open fields and woodlands. Entirely wooded, Indian Point includes the largest old-growth red oak stand in the northern Lower Peninsula with trees up to 150 years old.
Trail Description
More than 2.5 miles of easy trails for hiking and skiing are available between the two lands. The Burt Lake Trail runs along both of these lands, and a parking area is situated between along the Burt Lake Trail and between the two lands. Please note that hunting is allowed on Indian Point.
Directions
Take US-31 north from Alanson 3.5 miles to Brutus Road. Turn right (east) and travel 4 miles on Brutus Road. The parking lot for the Chaboiganing Preserve is across from the old Burt Lake Market. Indian Point Forest is located on the first road on the right past the preserve. The trailhead/entrance is ¼ mile east on Indian Point Road.
History
Evidence of many centuries of human settlement can be found throughout the Indian Point and Chaboiganing properties and beyond.
In more recent times, this land and the surrounding area were home to the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (the Chaboiganing Band).
On October 15, 1900, the families of the Burt Lake Band were unexpectedly and violently ousted from their homes and village on Indian Point by “legalized arson.” Today this event is referred to as the Chaboiganing “Burn-Out”, a horror that acutely remains in the memories of ancestors of the survivors. More details about the Chaboiganing Burn-Out can be found on this sign, which is also posted on the kiosk at the Chaboiganing Nature Preserve.
In addition, you can find maps and details about the historic boundaries of the tribal village, the Burnout Lake Report, and much more ecological and historical information at the University of Michigan website.
In 1985, the Indian Point Forest was purchased by a sawmill and slated for heavy logging. A grassroots group spearheaded by conservationist Wendy O’Neil expressed great concern for this treasured area because of its red oak forest, one of the most significant in the Midwest. In response, Little Traverse Conservancy coordinated efforts to purchase the property with a substantial grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Partners included the University of Michigan Biological Station, the Michigan chapter of The Nature Conservancy, local property owners, and citizens raise the needed funds. The Biological Station now owns Indian Point.
In 1993, Little Traverse Conservancy used donated funds to purchase 192 acres adjacent to Indian Point to form the Chaboiganing Preserve. The Pieniozek family donated an adjacent two acres in 2012.
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.
