Philip J. Braun Nature Preserve – South
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Size
32 acres
Frontage
1,500 feet of Maple River frontage and 660 feet along U.S. 31.
Land Description
This preserve consists of a mix of upland woods, open fields, and riverine habitat.
Trail Description
From the east side of U.S. 31, parking is a short distance off the highway. From here, you will need to walk through woods and an open region for roughly a third of a mile to get to the river. The slope to the river is steep.
History
In 2011, the J.A. Woollam Foundation enabled the Conservancy to purchase the first Braun Preserve, located just outside Pellston's village. This second preserve by the same name was created to honor a cherished friend of the Woollam family who loved the sport of fly fishing. "The original preserve location is a wonderful tribute to an extraordinary person, Philip J. Braun. Phil fly-fished (dry fly only) the Maple River from one end to the other," said John Woollam. "However, his favorite stretch was upstream from the bridge on Brutus Road. He would enter the stream and spend the day working his way upstream to the old iron bridge at Maple River Road, where he would often get out of the stream. The new part of the Braun Preserve includes his favorite fishing section." In addition to the Woollam Foundation gift, Little Traverse Conservancy received a grant from the Wenger Foundation. While it supports various projects in many locations, the Wenger Foundation has a particular interest in supporting projects along the Maple River and within its watershed.
Directions
From US-31 in Pellston, head 1.8 miles south to the preserve sign on the road's east side. After parking, the two-track leads you east towards the river.
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.
