 Flower Creek shoreline (photo from the Flower Creek website) |
complied from various sources
Located near Montague, Michigan, Flower Creek Nature Preserve began with a modest 14 acres in 2002. The preserve now protects 74 acres of what is considered "Critical Dune Habitat." Although the area was logged in the late 1800s, the forest had recovered well by the 1930s. Near the Lake Michgian shore there is open shifting sand while the back dunes are forested.
The endangered Pitcher's Thistle grows there. Eagles, loons, and the endangered piping plover all stop on migratory routes.
As a Class 2 Preserve, most of the area is protected. The 1.2-mile trail has a natural surface and leads to an overlook of Lake Michigan. To reach the trail, you must park a quarter-mile south at Meinert Park (seasonal parking fee), so to reach the overlook and return is about a 3-mile walk.
In August of 2023, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan celebrated adding Flower Creek to the Old-Growth Forest Network. Under the Conservancy, the priority "management of the preserve has focused on protecting the intact open dune and forested dune habitat."
To find Meinert Park and the Preserve, go to 8355 Meinert Park Road, Montague, MI. Exit US 31 Freeway at Fruitvale Rd, go west on B-15 (through several curves) to the end of the road. Location: 43.459034 -86.453969
Pets must be leashed. No bicycles, horses, motorized vehicles, fires, or camping. However, Meinert Park does operate a seasonal campground.
See a map of Flower Creek Nature Preserve
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