The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) has a unique opportunity to protect roughly 70 acres of diverse land located within both the Platte and Crystal Lake watersheds.
Rising from sensitive wetlands to a forested ridge, this landscape is home to diverse habitats. It encompasses 64 acres of mesic northern forest and six acres of rich conifer swamp, providing refuge for an array of plants and animals. While biological surveys are needed, preliminary observations include a mix of hardwood and conifer species, such as beech, maple, yellow birch, cedar and hemlock trees, as well as sensitive fern species.
Designated as a top priority for protection in GTRLC’s Priority Landscape Atlas, the proposed nature sanctuary is also part of a vital ecological corridor between Platte Lake and Crystal Lake. It borders Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on two sides and is located near Birch Point Nature Preserve, offering an opportunity to maintain uninterrupted connectivity between these critical landscapes.
The land also plays an important role in maintaining water quality. Its intact natural wetlands and forests slow and filter runoff, preventing excess nutrients and sediment from reaching Platte and Crystal Lakes and protecting the health of both watersheds.
With your support, this remarkable property can be permanently protected as a nature sanctuary, meaning it will be open to the public but have no trails or infrastructure. This ensures that its forests, wetlands and the surrounding watersheds are safeguarded for generations to come.