Protected, owned and managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
Trapp is an interesting story of nature correcting itself. The area that comprises this preserve once was a wetland of Crystal Lake. The lake level dropped nearly 20 feet in 1873 after a failed attempt to connect the lake with the nearby Betsie River, leaving these wetland soils high, dry and perfect for growing celery and onions, as the Trapp family did for many decades in the 20th century. Those great growing soils have been in a slow state of decomposition ever since the natural hydrology changed.
As the soil decomposes, it shrinks in volume, a phenomenon that has caused several large stands of trees to topple over as the soil shrinks beneath them. In 75-100 years, Trapp will once again be a large wetland area. It’s our job to manage invasive plant species as the land continues along in this process.
Enjoy this interesting preserve from a boardwalk trail newly reconfigured in 2020.