Barney’s Lake Nature Preserve
All dogs must be on a leash!
And please clean up after your pooches while using the trails. Learn More
Size
337 acres
Frontage
4,900 feet along Barney’s Lake and 1,770 feet along Lake Michigan.
Land Description
Features include open bog, sedge meadow, cedar swamp, old farmstead— loons nest on this lake.
Trail Description
Nearly a mile of the trail is found to the east of the lake. A second trail and sign are located at the north end of the preserve off of Barney’s Lake Road. From there, hike 0.7 miles to connect to the Kuebler Trail.
History
Barney’s Lake Preserve is located in the north-central part of Beaver Island, about three miles southwest of St. James. The original preserve was donated to the Conservancy in 1988 by the heirs of Bernard and Margaret O’Donnell. Bernard O’Donnell (great-grandnephew) and Theresa Gacek (great-great-grand niece) were instrumental in carrying out the family’s wishes that the land is kept in a natural state and available to the public. In 2007, a 173-acre addition to the preserve was donated by Terry and Beverly Scully. And in 2014, another 40 acres were purchased at a bargain sale from Jon and Sally Fogg with funding from the J.A. Woollam Foundation.
Directions
ADDRESS: 35795 Barney's Lake Road South, Beaver Island From St. James, take Kings Hwy south 1¼ miles to Barney’s Lake Road North and turn right. Continue 2½ miles, and the preserve is on both sides of the road. Look for a sign on the left side. Parking is on the left. A boat launch is adjacent to southern parking. Another small parking area is found near the northern edge of the preserve off of Barney’s Lake Road.
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.
