Paw Paw Prairie Fen Preserve

Fall migration of songbirds is quite immense. You are most likely to catch them on their way south during August and September. Be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen. Because of the wet and uneven ground conditions, wear waterproof boots with ankle support.

The Nature Conservancy allows hunting for white-tail deer on this preserve to reduce an unnaturally high deer population in the area and reduce threats too many deer pose to our conservation targets. All hunters are required to receive a permit from TNC as well as a Michigan deer hunting license. Additionally, hunters must report any deer taken from the preserve.

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 invasive such as spotted knapweed, and replanting prairie grass seed of varieties native to this habitat at this location. We have removed 4 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 The Coca-Cola Foundation and Michigan State University to protect and improve water quality and quantity in the Paw Paw River watershed.

Permitted Activities:

• Hiking: please help us protect the fen by observing it from the platform and staying in the uplands
• Bird watching, nature study and photography
• Research projects and educational studies with approved permit
• Hunting with a TNC-issued permit for whitetail deer

Prohibited Activities:

• No motorized and non-motorized vehicles, including bicycles
• No building of new trails
• No trespassing on adjacent land
• No pets
• No hunting or trapping without a TNC-issued permit
• No removal of stakes, poles or signs
• 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
• No boating