The dunes at Pt. Betsie are part of the largest freshwater dune system in the world, which covers 275,000 acres of Lake Michigan shoreline. The dunes provide critical habitat for rare species, including Pitcher’s thistle. They have also been identified as a potential nesting site for piping plover as the population of this endangered species recovers. The Nature Conservancy works with partners through the Michigan Dune Alliance to conserve this rare coastal ecosystem.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For your safety and to protect this fragile ecosystem, please stay off the dunes.
From Frankfort, Michigan:
Zetterberg Preserve is home to the state and globally threatened Pitcher's thistle. You can spot the cream-colored flowers in July. Before you head to the preserve, view these photos of the wildflower to avoid trampling the plants.
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Pitcher's Thistle: Pitcher's thistle grows along the shore. © Jason Whalen
Blooms: You can spot these blooms in July. © Jason Whalen
Pollinator: A bee rests on a Pitcher's thistle bloom. © Jason Whalen
Globally Threatened: Pitcher's thistle is both state & globally threatened. © Jason Whalen
Watch Your Step: Stick to the shore to avoid trampling plants. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media
Point Betsie is a dynamic mosaic of shifting sand dunes, wetlands, boreal forest and sandy Lake Michigan beaches constantly battered by wind, ice, waves and currents moving along the shore of the lake. This globally imperiled open dune habitat provides a place where threatened species such as Pitcher’s thistle, fascicled broomrape and the Lake Huron locust can thrive.
Dune vegetation includes marram grass, beach pea and hoary puccoon with forested islands of balsam fir, paper birch, red oak and creeping juniper. Peaceful ponds among the dunes swell and shrink in sync with water levels in Lake Michigan, attracting migrating birds such as the semipalmated plover. Cedar waxwings flit through pockets of forest, while spotted sandpiper and killdeer scurry over the sand.
For your safety and to protect this fragile ecosystem, please stay off the dunes. Consider a hike along the shoreline instead of through the preserve to prevent dune erosion.
Natural hazards to be aware of include poison ivy and leafy spurge, which can cause skin irritations.
Walking the sand dunes of this preserve is strenuous, and there are dangerous lake currents offshore.
This preserve is open year round. In July, watch for rare Pitcher's thistle bloom with cream-colored flowers. Point Betsie also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities during the spring and fall migrations, which are in May and late August through September, respectively.
The preserve is adjacent to the Point Betsie Lighthouse, which is open for tours Memorial Day to Columbus Day. The beach is not part of the preserve. Respect private landowners who live adjacent to the preserve by not trespassing.
Come prepared with sunscreen and bug repellant. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you when you visit.
Have questions about the preserve? Contact Shaun Howard, TNC protected lands project manager in Michigan.
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.
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