Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy

Helping people protect the local wild and scenic places they care most about.

Gertrude McPharlin Bauer Nature Sanctuary

Acquired:	2004 through a donation by the Angell-Bauer Trust
Location:	Castleton Township, Barry County
Size:	20 acres
Accessibility:	Open to the public
Trails:	1/4-mile upper loop and 1/4-mile lower loop at the base of the steep "high banks". Click here for trail map.

The Gertrude McPharlin Bauer Nature Sanctuary was gifted to SWMLC when the Angell-Bauer Trust dissolved in 2004. The property was the beloved natural area of former Barry County prosecuting attorney Max Bauer and his wife Millie. The sanctuary was named for Bauer's mother, Gertrude McPharlin Bauer.

Bauer, a conservationist, decided to protect the property by keeping it natural. He planted evergreens in the flatter 10-acre section and, because he loved wildlife, had a large bird feeder built that held 50 pounds of seed. Bauer particularly enjoyed the panoramic high vistas along High Banks Creek.

This beautiful and serene property contains a wetland and a spectacular woodland, with steep ravines that drop 100 feet. Many beech and maple trees are over 2 feet in diameter. The preserve is particularly beautiful during the spring wildflower display and is vibrant during autumn when leaves change color.

Directions: The Sanctuary is located on the west side of Barryville Road, about ½ mile south of M-79, 4 miles west of Nashville, and 7 miles east of Hastings.

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