Stutsmanville Bog / C. Beach Day & Family Nature Preserve
All dogs must be on a leash!
And please clean up after your pooches while using the trails. Learn More
Size
99 acres
Land Description
One of the best examples of a fen or peatland in northern Michigan.
Trail Description
A ¼ mile trail leads to the bog overlook and interpretive signs.
History
In 1999, the Conservancy purchased a large portion of the beautiful Stutsmanville Bog, an area that has been the subject of many ecological studies. The acquisition was made possible, in part, by a bargain sale from the sellers and with funds from the family of Julia Wells Terry. The 34 acres “C. Beach Day & Family” preserve addition was purchased in 2017, bringing the size to 99 acres. A bog is a unique type of wetland dominated by organic soil known as peat. Marshes are also known for unusual plants such as the carnivorous pitcher plant and sundew, which receive their nutrients by entrapping and digesting insects. Wetlands are significant for filtering water that flows through them. Please be sensitive to the fragile nature of this ecosystem when visiting. Even sporadic foot traffic off the trails can permanently damage the vegetation.
Directions
ADDRESS: 3465 S. State Road, Harbor Springs From Harbor Springs, take State Road north approximately five miles. Look for the preserve sign on the right-hand side of the road. The parking area holds a few cars.
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.
