Our Preserves

SWMLC welcomes the public to visit the following preserves. Keep in mind that our preserves are not able to withstand the intensive use that is normal for state and local parks.

When visiting a preserve, please respect the natural features and keep the following guidelines in mind:

•Do not remove or destroy plants or wildlife.
•Take all trash with you.
•Do not use motorized vehicles or bicycles.
•Camping, fires and pets are not allowed (leashed pets permitted only at Chipman Preserve).
•No hunting is allowed without permission.
Other preserves owned by SWMLC contain sensitive habitats or have access issues and are not open to the public unless permission is received from SWMLC.
 
  Below are a list of our preserves with parking and trails:

Bow in the Clouds Preserve - City of Kalamazoo (60 acres)
Steep incline to entrance. Boardwalk through wetland. 

Carter Lake Preserve - Hastings Township, Barry County (56.9 acres)
Moderate to difficult blazed trails in wetland and upland habitats.

Chipman Preserve - Comstock Township, Kalamazoo County (227.8 acres)
Five miles of easy to moderate mowed trails in upland habitat.

Coon Hollow Preserve - Fabius Township, St. Joseph County (4 acres).

Gertrude McPharlin Bauer Nature Sanctuary - Castleton Township, Barry County (20 acres)
Short trails at base of steep banks. 

Hickory Creek Preserve - St. Joseph Charter Township, Berrien County (32 acres)
Part of a larger trail system along the St. Joseph River (currently 5 ½ miles). Easy to moderate trails.

Hidden Marsh Sanctuary - City of Three Rivers (38 acres)
Easy walking trails. 

Hidden Pond Preserve - Hope Township, Barry County (67.1 acres)  Open to the public, parking available.  Easy walking trails.

Jeptha Lake Fen - Columbia Township, Van Buren County (49 acres)
Easy mowed trails and boardwalk. 

Kesling Nature Preserve - Three Oaks Township, Berrien County (55 acres)
Located along the South Branch of the Galien River. Easy to moderate mowed trails. 

Spirit Springs Sanctuary - Marcellus Township, Cass County (124.3 acres).  Open to the public, parking amenities and signage to be constructed Summer 2011.  Easy walking trails. 

Topinabee Lake Preserve - Bertrand Township, Berrien County (71 acres)
Viewing platform 50 feet from road. 

Wau-Ke-Na, William Erby Smith Preserve - Ganges Township, Allegan County (365 acres)
No trails. Visitors may walk the south tract. 

New preserves will be added to the list soon!