With all nature preserves, you are invited to look and photograph, but please do not remove any plant, animal or other natural features. Leave things as they are for the next person to enjoy.
Birge Nature Preserve
This magnificent 168 acre parcel is located two miles west of Hessel on Point Brulee. The preserve boasts cedar wetlands, hardwoods, a small lake and 2,000 feet of frontage on Lake Huron. The Little Traverse Conservancy received the preserve from long-time Hessel residents, Oliver and Edna Birge. According to Oliver Birge, the old wheel road that crosses the property is part of the oldest road in the area.
A boardwalk and short trail leads to a viewing platform overlooking Loon Lake, where one may see beaver, bald eagles, osprey and many other mammals and birds. Many native wildflower species are abundant at the Birge Preserve. Orchids, ladyslippers, asters, marsh marigold, Indian Paintbrush and iris are among the many species that can be found throughout the preserve.
To reach this preserve from Hessel take M-134 west about 2 miles to Point Brulee Road (From I-75, take M-134 east approximately 12 miles). Follow Point Brulee about º mile. The preserve is on both sides of the road.
Government Island
Government Island is the only one of the Les Cheneaux Islands in public ownership. It is on the early explorer and voyageur route from Montreal to Mackinac. From 1874 to 1938 it served as a U.S. Coast Guard Station.
On the northwest end of this uninhabited island, the remains of the dock and manmade clearings are still in evidence. The water channels leading to Government Island are popular for small boating and fishing. Small craft can be beached at two widely separated primitive picnic sites on the sheltered side of the island.
Mackinac Bay Nature Preserve
In the first-ever cooperative project among the three conservation organizations working in the Les Cheneaux Islands area, a 22-acre parcel on Mackinac Bay was purchased by Little Traverse Conservancy with technical and financial assistance from the Les Cheneaux Foundation and The Nature Conservancy.
The parcel is flourishing with birds and other wildlife. Many unique and interesting species of birds, including the yellowthroat and song sparrow, have been found there. Also known to frequent the property are muskrats, mink, weasel, deer, woodcock, and ruffed grouse.
To reach this preserve from I-75 take M-134 east approximately 13 miles to Hessel. The preserve is less than ý mile east of the blinker light on the south side of M-134.