Gerstacker Nature Preserve

The Nature Conservancy’s Carl
A. Gerstacker Nature Preserve protects 879 acres of cobbled lakeshore,
interdunal wetlands, conifer swamps and mixed hardwood forest. Clearly marked
and well-maintained trails lead through wet bottomlands and forest-covered
dunes to the edge of Little Trout Lake, alive with the calls of peeping frogs
and common loons. The mixed hardwood forests provide critical breeding habitats
for many types of forest birds including the black-throated blue warbler that
requires thick understory shrubs for its nests. 

Sharp eyes can spot ruffed grouse among the birch. Near the
edge of Lake Huron, marshy bogs support insectivorous sundews and rare orchids
while the endangered Pitcher’s thistle and Houghton’s goldenrod grow on the
adjoining dunes. This is a remarkable preserve, rich in wildlife and isolated
from most human intrusions. The area is open in the winter for backcountry
skiing and snowshoeing. 

Our free guided
audio tour includes stories, fun facts, historical notes, and natural sounds
to help deepen your connection to the Carl A. Gerstacker Nature Preserve. You
can access the tour from the comfort of your home or onsite as you hike. 

More ways to
explore can be found at nature.org/MIexplore.