History

The majority of funding for this preserve was granted through the Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation, Inc. The land was purchased from the Olstrom Family in 2010. The J.A. Woollam Foundation provided funding for the adjacent Olstrom Family Nature Preserve, consisting of an additional 100 feet of shoreline south of the creek.

Charles Minor Taylor III was the son of Joan R. and Charles M. Taylor II. He was a Private First Class in the United States Marine Corps, enlisting at the age of 18. He was killed in action on November 21, 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam, eleven days after his 19th birthday.

Born and raised on a farm in Little Rock, Arkansas, he grew up duck hunting, raising sheep and Welsh ponies, and training horses. Throughout his youth, he spent summers in northern Michigan, camping and enjoying all forms of boating and water sports in the Charlevoix area. He was caring, compassionate, and always willing to help other young people, especially underserved and homeless children. His interests included sports, cars, travel, music, art, books, writing, and spending time with friends. He was known for his strong character, courage, loyalty, and adventuresome spirit. Semper Fi!