Description

Join us to explore the proposed ‘Excelsior’ Perch Lake addition to Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Nature Preserve while learning about the Conservancy’s effort to add this 342-acre parcel to the preserve. Experience this unique natural habitat with Angie Bouma, GTRLC senior conservation ecologist, and Matt Ross, executive director of the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, who will introduce you to several of the hundreds of plant and animal species that call this remarkable place home. The Basics This proposed addition protects the entirety of a glacial lake, called Perch Lake, along with several ecologically rich bogs that support water quality within the north branch of the Manistee River and the Manistee River watershed. The 2.5-mile hike route is over primarily flat terrain in the woods. We will spend two hours together exploring the property’s diverse habitats, including mesic northern hardwood forest, early-successional forest, various wetlands and a well-managed, mature pine plantation. The forests host a diversity of high conservation value plants, and many unique wildlife species have been documented. What should I bring? Come prepared with hiking gear, water, and your curiosity! Dress for the weather Sturdy, close-toed shoes recommended Consider bringing your binoculars or a camera Directions The address is approximately at 3004 Darke Rd, Kalkaska MI 49646. Turn right onto the driveway directly across from Myers Rd and drive about ¼ mile to the end of the drive, where we'll gather for the hike. *The Priority Landscapes Learning Series provides in-depth learning opportunities of conservation and stewardship practices. Each year, the learning series will also call attention to one of the Conservancy’s high-priority land protection projects. In 2025, the featured property is the proposed Perch Lake addition to Upper Manistee Headwaters: the Milock Family Preserve. Registration is required. Cancellations due to weather or other reasons will be emailed to registered participants. ?Thank you for your interest in joining us! If you have any questions, please contact us at (231) 929-7911 or info@gtrlc.org.