“This special place connects the Pigeon River Country's iconic elk viewing to the cherished Cornwall Flooding." - Bryant Eddy, Habitat Project Manager

Located in Cheboygan County off Osmun Rd. in the “Big Wild” of the Pigeon River Country State Forest is Inspiration Point. This warm-season grassland with views of Cornwall Flooding and wild elk has been undergoing careful management by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Huron Pines since the early 2000s.

The site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the 1930s, Inspiration Point is managed today as part of the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Known for being home to Michigan’s elk herd, this region has one of the most extensive grassland management programs of any DNR Forest Management Unit. Along with providing open habitat for elk, Inspiration Point attracts birders, hunters and tourists with its ¼-mile trail that leads to an overlook of Cornwall Flooding.

Huron Pines has been actively working with the DNR to maintain the open grassland at Inspiration Point. Most of this work involves mechanical removal of invasive species like Russian olive, autumn olive and Siberian crab apple. Historically, natural and cultural wildfires would have maintained the open character of this landscape. Modern management techniques are used including prescribed fire and forestry mowing. Without management, these woody shrubs encroach on the open grassland and spread further when wildlife consume their small fruits and disperse their seeds across the landscape. Regular management is necessary to keep the grassland area open and provide a diverse habitat for elk and other wildlife. Through its collaboration with the DNR, Huron Pines has improved or reconnected over 100 acres of habitat at Inspiration Point.

This work is made possible through the DNR Wildlife Habitat Grant Program. If you are interested in this habitat restoration work, consider attending a Huron Pines native seed collection volunteer day. To learn how to volunteer, visit our volunteer page.