Our Preserves
One of the ways we ensure healthy water, protected places and vibrant communities is through our Land Protection Program and its nature preserves.
By owning land, stewarding it to conserve and restore native ecosystems and sharing it with the public, we reinforce our commitment to the future of Northern Michigan’s land, water & people.
Learn more about our preserves through the interactive map to the right or scroll down to see individual preserve pages.
Huron Pines, The Nature Conservancy and the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan have established an endowment fund to support the current and long-term monitoring, management and protection of lands within the coastal priority zone.
Birdsong Bay Nature Preserve
Birdsong Bay Nature Preserve is 153 acres of coastal wetlands, cedar swamps and a globally rare wooded dune and swale complex along US-23 south of Alpena. Situated near the 45th Parallel, this landscape supports a host of migratory birds, native plants and abundant wildlife while protecting the water quality of Lake Huron.
Emily Min Hunt Preserve
Emily Min Hunt Preserve offers the perfect opportunity for quiet exploration 20 minutes north of Alpena. Mixed hardwood forests are home to songbirds year round and woodland pools teem with frogs in the spring. Huron Pines is actively managing its habitats to promote ecological diversity and to engage the public in land stewardship.
Hubbard Lake Nature Preserve
This 80-acre wooded property includes 1.5 miles of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In addition to providing easy access to recreation year round, the preserve includes facilities Huron Pines uses as classroom space for training staff, hosting partner organizations and volunteers, and engaging local students in conservation.
KR Poljan Tract
KR Poljan Tract at Birdsong Bay is a 15-acre preserve at the southern base of Partridge Point just south of Alpena. It offers a panoramic view of Birdsong Bay and its marshlands are frequented by shorebirds and migratory waterfowl. It is managed in conjunction with nearby Birdsong Bay Nature Preserve.
Lake Huron Coastal Preserve
Situated at the southern end of Iosco County, Lake Huron Coastal Preserve is home to mature hardwoods, forested wetlands and 4,000 feet of cobble beach, all of which provide important wildlife habitat and opportunities for low-impact recreation. Huron Pines manages the preserve in cooperation with Alabaster Township.
North Point Nature Preserve
Located east of Alpena, North Point Nature Preserve is home to 1,384 acres of forested wetlands, 4 miles of undeveloped shoreline and rare ecosystems found only along the Great Lakes. It comprises the middle portion of North Point, a natural prominence at the northern rim of Thunder Bay. Access to the preserve is limited to guided events only.
AuSable River Scenic Preserve
Located near downtown Oscoda, Hull Island is a 42-acre forested tract along the Au Sable River. The dynamic parcel is home to mixed hardwood and pine forests, sudden elevation changes and 3,300 feet of river frontage. Along with having high conservation value for wildlife habitat and water quality protection, the historic site holds great potential for recreation and Huron Pines plans to transfer the property to Charter Township of Oscoda as a public nature preserve.