Guided Hike to Highlight Hidden Gem Among TNC Preserves

MARQUETTE, Mich. — On Saturday, July 20, 2024, Upper Peninsula staff from The Nature Conservancy will lead guests on a guided hike of one of TNC’s hidden gems: Echo Lake Nature Preserve. The 1.5 mile-hike at the preserve, which is about 10 miles northwest of Marquette, begins at 10:00 a.m. and will take approximately two hours. Registration is required for all participants.

“Echo Lake Nature Preserve is one of the Marquette area's best kept secrets and we’re thrilled to show off the preserves spectacular views, wildlife and unique history during this guided hike,” said Shaun Howard, preserve infrastructure and outreach project manager for The Nature Conservancy in Michigan. “Participants should make sure they have sturdy hiking boots for the hike and bring both sun and bug protection, along with their spirit of adventure.”

Hikers can extend their visit by hiking an additional 400 feet and 0.4 miles up a bald, which will offer sweeping views of Hogsback Mountain, Little Presque Isle and Lake Superior. They’ll also be able to take in calm waters teeming with life beneath the surface and a chance at spotting a variety of wildlife including moose, gray wolf, river otter and spotted blue salamanders.

Echo Lake Nature Preserve packs a lot into its 480 acres including high bluffs of exposed granite bedrock, a mixed deciduous and conifer forest, wetlands, creeks, three high rock ponds and Echo Lake itself. Harlow Creek flows from its headwaters at Echo Lake, takes in water from Harlow Lake and empties into Lake Superior.

The Nature Conservancy in Michigan hosts several guided hikes every year. The first hike of 2024 was held at Ross Coastal Plains Marsh Preserve in the southwest corner of the state. The next guided hike is scheduled for Aug. 24 at TNC’s most visited Michigan preserve: Mary Macdonald Preserve at Horseshoe Harbor.

“Our guided hikes are a great opportunity to learn more about the plants, animals, insects and amphibians that rely on our preserves to survive and underscores why we go to such great lengths to protect these places for both people and nature,” said Savannah Trottier, engagements manager for The Nature Conservancy in Michigan. “I would encourage anyone who wants to learn more about Echo Lake Nature Preserve or enjoy a walk through the woods to register soon.”