It's no coincidence that the Paw Paw River watershed is also known as Michigan's "Wine Country." The temperate climate, fertile soil and nearby river create idyllic conditions not only for vineyards, but also for land rich in biodiversity.
Notice the migration of songbirds during the fall months. You are most likely to catch them on their way south during August and September. Those with patience might spot species such as the eastern box turtle or an eastern massasauga rattlesnake.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
No pets are permitted.
106 acres
The activities below will help you explore this preserve and enhance your connection with nature—from the comfort of your home or while onsite.
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
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
Tag your preserve visits on Instagram with #TNCMichigan to have your photos featured here!
Blazing Star: Bees are big fans of blazing star. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media
Eastern Box Turtle: Box turtles are commonly found at Paw Paw. © Kent Mason
Paw Paw Prairie Fen: Paw Paw is home to a wide variety of plants. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media
Butterflies: Paw Paw is rich in biodiversity. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media
The Paw Paw Prairie Fen site was originally slated for a housing development. The development company had removed all the topsoil, laid out a road route and began landscaping for a neighborhood when TNC was alerted to rare wetland communities at the site and began negotiations for acquiring the land.
A fen is a unique type of wetland, fed by alkaline, mineral-rich groundwater that supports highly diverse and rare plant life. There are several types of fens, but prairie fens, like Paw Paw Prairie Fen, provide habitat for both wetland and prairie plants, making them especially diverse and important to the preserve.
The Paw Paw Prairie Fen Preserve is open year round for hiking, birding and wildlife viewing. August and September are the best times to catch sight of migrating songbirds on their way south.
Because of wet and uneven ground conditions during much of the year, we recommend wearing waterproof boots with ankle support. Also be sure to check for ticks after hiking as prairie grasses provide them with prime habitat.
The 1.5-mile loop trail is generally considered an easy route, with wide, flat, well-packed terrain.
For the safety of both the habitats at this preserve and visiting guests, we ask that you please follow the rules listed below.
The Nature Conservancy allows bow hunting for white-tail deer on this preserve to reduce threats too many deer pose to our conservation targets and to ensure that the preserve does not become a “refuge” for deer during the hunting season.
In order to be eligible to hunt at this preserve, hunters are required to receive a permit from TNC, follow TNC hunting program rules and comply with all local, state and federal laws and ordinances governing hunting activities, including obtaining all required government licenses or permits. For more information, please visit our Deer Hunting in Michigan page.
Have questions about the preserve? Contact us at miplaces@tnc.org.
TNC owns 106 acres along the east branch of the Paw Paw River near Mattawan. Fen restoration began in 2004 with the removal of invasives including glossy buckthorn and reed canary grass.
The following year, efforts to restore the native savanna began by treating invasives such as spotted knapweed and replanting prairie grass seed of varieties native to this habitat at this location. We have removed four acres of full-grown spruce trees, which were planted to line the main avenue of the housing development.
Professional land managers also employ prescribed fire throughout the preserve to reduce invasive species and promote healthy habitats for native plants and animals. These restoration strategies continue to be implemented throughout the preserve.
The Nature Conservancy has teamed up with farmers, the Van Buren Conservation District, The Coca-Cola Foundation and Michigan State University to protect and improve water quality and quantity in the Paw Paw River watershed.
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.
You have the power to make a difference for the Great Lakes State and for our planet. Your support will help fund groundbreaking science and conservation activities that protect the lands and waters you love.
Explore all the ways you can engage with the natural world at a TNC nature preserve in Michigan.
Explore this guide for the best places to view Michigan’s diverse plant life and learn about the role each plays in their respective habitats.
TNC is protecting important habitats that provide food and shelter for endangered or threatened species across Michigan.
