The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Shoreline view of Grass Bay © TNC

A paradise for a multitude of wildflowers and neotropical migrating birds, Grass Bay Preserve extends along two miles of stunning Lake Huron shoreline.

This site boasts over 300 plant species. Three species of wildflowers are found nowhere on Earth but along the Great Lakes and they all thrive at Grass Bay—the diminutive dwarf lake iris (blooming in purple or white,) Pitcher’s thistle, and Houghton’s goldenrod. The songs of such neotropical migrants as the black-throated blue warbler and the prairie warbler can be heard throughout the diverse landscape of shoreline, open dunes, interdunal wetlands, coniferous swamps and forests, home to twelve of Michigan’s thirteen coniferous species.

Location
Cheboygan County in the Lower Peninsula

How to Prepare for Your Visit
In order to protect from inadvertent ecological damage due to overuse of the site, access is limited to Conservancy field trips. If you are interested in attending one, please contact the Michigan field office at michigan@tnc.org or (517) 316-0300.

Visitors must watch for poison ivy, and be aware of potentially hazardous lake currents. Swimming at this site is particularly dangerous, and therefore not allowed.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
The Nature Conservancy first became aware of Grass Bay’s amazingly lush and diverse flora in 1978. When the original 80-acre parcel went on the market in 1979, the Conservancy secured an option to purchase it. Because the Federated Garden Clubs of Michigan treasured this site and also wanted to see it protected, they launched a very successful multi-year campaign to raise money to assist the Conservancy in purchasing the original parcel, plus approximately 100 more acres soon after.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
Since its initial purchase, several land donations and purchases have expanded the Grass Bay Preserve to its current 750 acres.

Things To Do

Plan Your Visit

Directions

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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