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Places We Protect

Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve

Michigan

An orange and black butterfly sits on yellow wildflowers.
Fritillary Butterfly at Ross Preserve Fritillary butterfly enjoying wildflowers at Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media

Forest Restoration at Ross Preserve

TNC has removed several stands of red pine on this preserve. The land had been planted in a monoculture by previous landowners many years ago. While red pine occurs naturally in Michigan, the habitat these crowded plantation rows created does not. Their removal will allow the growth of other native species.

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Overview

Description

Coastal plain marshes are rare in the Great Lakes region; they are typically found only along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Out of all 42 coastal plain marshes in Michigan, this preserve boasts three of the highest quality.

As you explore more than five miles of trails, you are likely to encounter reptiles and amphibians around the coastal plain marshes and small ponds on the preserve. Keep an eye out for mammals such as red fox and coyote.

While hiking through this preserve, you may see one of the 100 bird species known to nest in the shrubs and trees here throughout the year, with spring and fall migrations bringing songbirds, warblers and waterfowl to the preserve.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Pets are not permitted.

Highlights

At 1,448 acres, Ross Preserve is a wonderfully diverse landscape of forested back-dunes, wetlands, ponds and rare coastal plain marshes. Perfect for hiking, birdwatching and cross-country skiing.

Size

1,448 acres

Explore our work in Michigan

Photos from Ross Coastal Plain Marsh

Tag your preserve visits on Instagram with #TNCMichigan to have your photos featured here!

Fungi grows in a mossy area
Brigh green mossy area in the shade of trees. In the distance is a sandy dune.
Sandy dunes surrounded by tress at Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve in Michigan.
A spring peeper rests on a branch at Ross Coastal.
Fungi grows in a mossy area

Ross Coastal: The preserve is home to many different habitats. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media

Brigh green mossy area in the shade of trees. In the distance is a sandy dune.

Lake Michigan: Ross Coastal Plain Marsh lies near Lake Michigan. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media

Sandy dunes surrounded by tress at Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve in Michigan.

Coastal Plain Marsh: Coastal plain marshes are rare in the Great Lakes. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media

A spring peeper rests on a branch at Ross Coastal.

Ponds and Marshes: Watch for reptiles and amphibians. © Jason Whalen / Big Foot Media

Exploring the Preserve

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

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    Audio Tour

    Our guided audio tour includes stories, fun facts, historical notes, and natural sounds to help deepen your connection to the Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve. You can access the tour from the comfort of your home or onsite as you hike. Learn More

  • A person crouches down to examine green plant life while on a hike at Nan Weston Nature Preserve in Michigan.

    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

  • Pop Goes the Weasel // Weasel pup on a sunny day at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Taken 7/17/22

    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 lands for scientific research! Learn More

Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve (2:35) Watch the seasons change at Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve in southwest Michigan.

Plan Your Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This preserve is open year round. Spring and fall are the two best seasons to visit this preserve as you'll likely be able to spot migratory birds and wildflowers.  

  • Be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen as well as sturdy walking shoes or boots and bug repellent. Expect rugged, narrow and uneven terrain on natural pathways.

  • This 5.3-mile loop trail is generally considered an easy route. It takes an average of 1 h 53 min to complete. 

    Please note the new trail layout at Ross! The main “green” trail is now reopen, after being rerouted due to a massive tree blowdown.

    Please download the map, and if you have any questions, contact miplaces@tnc.org.

    Trail Map

  • 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 and non-motorized vehicles, including bicycles
    • No pets
    • No building of new trails
    • No removal of trees, plants or animals (alive or dead)
    • No removal of rocks, water or other non-organic materials
    • No camping, bonfires, fireworks, or other fires
    • No littering

  • The Nature Conservancy allows 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. 

Tall trees at Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve.
Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Towering trees at Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve. © Jason Whalen/Big Foot Media

Background

Much of this preserve once served as a vacation spot for the Ross family. You can still see vestiges of their time spent here, including the foundation of their vacation house, overlooking one of many small lakes on the preserve. Take a moment to see how many tree species you can identify on the preserve. This preserve features eastern hemlock, sugar maple, sassafras and black cherry to name a few.

Keep Exploring

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

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

Make a Lasting Impact

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