Lake Huron Coastal Preserve
County: Iosco Established: 2020 Size: 145 Acres
Lake Huron Coastal Preserve is home to mature hardwoods, forested wetlands and nearly a mile of Lake Huron shoreline, all of which provide ideal plant and wildlife habitat and opportunities for low-impact recreation.
The preserve is owned by Alabaster Township and managed in cooperation with Huron Pines.
Click the image to download a fullsize PDF map.
Visitor Information
Lake Huron Coastal Preserve is located at the intersection of US-23 and Dyer Road in Alabaster Township, Iosco County. There is a parking area and signage at the trailhead which also serves the Alabaster Bike Path Arboretum, a paved pathway which parallels the highway.
A network of unpaved trails leads visitors through mature hardwood forests and to the shoreline of Lake Huron.
Please note: While bicycles are allowed on the paved Alabaster Bike Path Arboretum, they are not permitted on unpaved preserve trails.
Conservation Value
Situated within the flyway of one of North America’s busiest migration routes, the forests of Lake Huron Coastal Preserve provides an essential stopover site for migratory birds as they move between breeding and wintering grounds.
Protected coastal forests and wetlands are essential to maintaining the water health of Lake Huron. Natural shorelines are more resilient than developed areas to erosion by high lake levels, storm surges and climate-related events.
History and Future
In 2020, Huron Pines set into motion a plan to see 145 acres and 4,000 feet of Lake Huron coastline protected forever by the local community. In December 2022, the plan came to fruition as Huron Pines transferred ownership of the preserve to Alabaster Township.
Huron Pines and township officials worked together every step of the way, from establishing a Parks & Recreation Committee to launching a successful fundraising campaign and, ultimately securing a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.
This project is a shining example of our vision of conservation driven by engaged, empowered communities. We hope it inspires others to prioritize natural spaces as an essential part of a thriving community.
Donations to support the management and stewardship of the preserve can be made here.
Activities
iNaturalist is a worldwide community science platform that Huron Pines uses to share information about flora (plants) and fauna (animals) found on our properties. View what’s been observed and learn how you can share your own observations below.