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Places We Protect

John Arthur Woollam Preserve

Michigan

Trees along the sandy shoreline of John Arthur Woollam Preserve in Michigan, with a body of water in the foreground.
Shoreline at Woollam Preserve The John Arthur Woollam Preserve is a popular spot for migratory birds to rest and refuel. © TNC

The 4,300 feet of sand and cobble beach on Lake Huron are a highlight of this preserve.

Overview

Description

The 185-acre John Arthur Woollam Preserve consists of 4,300 feet of stunning rocky shoreline with huge boulders and coastal wetlands, and a coniferous forest grading into northern hardwoods. The preserve offers significant shoreline for migratory and breeding birds and habitat for plant species such as Houghton's goldenrod.

Warm waters near the shore yield masses of flying insects, providing a tasty feast for migrating birds stopping through the preserve. Shoreline conservation is one of the main goals of this preserve.

Visitors might also see a variety of animals including the loon, pileated woodpecker, osprey, deer and several species of neotropical migratory songbirds such as the American redstart and magnolia warbler.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Pets are not permitted.

Highlights

This land is open for foot access and activities such as hiking, snowshoeing and birdwatching.

Size

185 acres

Explore our work in Michigan

Exploring the Preserve

The activities below will help you explore this preserve and enhance your connection with nature—from the comfort of your home or while onsite.

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    iNaturalist

    Help our scientists and restoration managers keep track of the species in our nature preserves by using iNaturalist. You can record your observations, help others identify species and view other users' identifications. Learn More

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    More Ways to Explore

    We offer a variety of ways to explore including geocaching, webinars, events and volunteer opportunities. You can even request a permit to use TNC land for scientific research! Learn More

John Arthur Woollam Preserve (3:13) The John Arthur Woollam Preserve protects 4,300 feet of northern Lake Huron shoreline and provides habitat for Michigan species such as Houghton’s goldenrod, Pitcher’s thistle and the pileated woodpecker.

Plan Your Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The preserve is open year round. However, the month of May presents one of the best times of the year to visit this preserve, as migratory songbirds are either resting, en route to other destinations or settling on breeding territories for the summer.

  • Bring insect repellent, sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen.

  • Trails are mostly easy/flat/well-packed; moderate through the Narnia area due to soft ground and uneven terrain.

    • Hiking, skiing and snowshoeing
    • Birdwatching, nature study and photography
    • Research projects and educational studies with approved permit

  • For the safety of both the habitats at this preserve and visiting guests, we ask that you please follow the rules listed below.

    • No motorized or non-motorized vehicles
    • No building of new trails
    • No pets
    • No hunting or trapping
    • No removal of plants or animals (alive or dead)
    • No removal of rocks, water or other non-organic materials
    • No camping, bonfires, fireworks or other fires
    • No firewood collecting
    • No littering

  • Have questions about the preserve? Contact us at miplaces@tnc.org. 

Boulders on the shore of John Arthur Woollam Preserve.
John Arthur Woollam Preserve The month of May presents one of the best times of the year to visit this preserve, as migratory songbirds are easily spotted. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media

Background

Donated to The Nature Conservancy by a fellow conservationist, this property was dedicated in 2013 as the John Arthur Woollam Preserve in recognition of the thousands of acres and many miles of shoreline and inland lakes protected throughout Michigan by Dr. John Woollam. The preserve is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy, on behalf of the many land conservancies and individuals who join us in honoring Dr. Woollam’s accomplishments.

Keep Exploring

From shifting sand dunes to granite bald mountains, explore our preserves and reserves spread across the state of Michigan.

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Find More Places We Protect

The Nature Conservancy owns nearly 1,500 preserves covering more than 2.5 million acres across all 50 states. These lands protect wildlife and natural systems, serve as living laboratories for innovative science and connect people to the natural world.

See the Complete Map

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