FREE! THE 2013 SBLC FIELD GUIDE SERIES the SAGINAW BASIN FIELD GUIDE · the SAGINAW BASIN FIELD GUIDE THE 2013 SBLC FIELD GUIDE SERIES Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy FREE! Friends,

the

SAGINAWBASINFIELDGUIDE

THE 2013 SBLC FIELD GUIDE SERIES

Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy

FREE!

Friends,

Welcome to the second edition of the Saginaw Basin Field Guide! We were overwhelmed with the response to our first Field Guide, and are excited to offer this updated version to the community. Thanks to our partners and sponsors, we are once again able to provide this Field Guide free of charge! We hope you’ll use, share, and cherish your Field Guide as you go on your own outdoor adventures in Michigan’s beautiful heartland, resting along Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay.

In the past year, our members, sponsors, friends, volunteers, and staff have made a difference in the Saginaw Bay Watershed. We have begun work on an extensive Lake Plain Prairie restoration in Arenac County, reviving 200 acres of threatened habitat. We have developed the Saginaw Bay Birding Trail, a regional effort designed to highlight nature along the Lake Huron shoreline. We have continued maintaining and enhancing our network of nature preserves. You can find information about all of these and more in the pages of this little book. The Conservancy is a non-profit, non-governmental, member-supported community. We serve this area with a small, dedicated staff of conservationists and our many friends who love this place and its role in the natural heritage of Michigan. The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy stands for three things: Preserving land. Protecting Water. Sustaining life. We hope you share our mission, and we invite you to make a difference for nature in our Watershed!

Zachary BraniganExecutive DirectorAugust, 2013

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• What is the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy? 1

• What is the Saginaw Bay Watershed? 2

• Flora & Fauna of the Saginaw Basin

• A birder’s paradise : birds of the Basin 3 • The Saginaw Bay Birding Trail : connecting birds & birders 5 • Sharing the land : animals of interest 6 • Colors of the landscape : notable plants, trees & wildflowers 7 • Invasive species : a threat to our Watershed 8

• The Art of Nature 9• Huron Trails 10

• Our Nature Preserves : yours to explore! 11• Preserve symbol key 12• The SBLC Nature Preserves in the Saginaw Basin (map) 13• Becoming a member : how you can help! 15• Our Values 16 • Sand Point Nature Preserve 17• Wah Sash Kah Moqua Nature Preserve 19• Pinconning Nature Preserve 21• Standish Nature Preserve 23• Saganing Nature Preserve 25• Pressprich Nature Preserve 27• Au Gres Delta Nature Preserve 28• Eliott - Patchett Nature Preserve 29• Fegan Nature Preserve 30

• Partnerships for conservation 31

• Acknowledgements 32

Table of Contents

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What is the Saginaw Basin

Land Conservancy?The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy, a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation, was founded in 1997 by a dedicated group of grassroots conservationists. Starting small, the group spent several years as an all-volunteer organization, establishing itself as a credible resource for conservation and environmental issues throughout the Saginaw Bay region.

After a series of successful projects and grants, the Conservancy was able to hire a small professional staff in 2002. Today, that staff manages nearly 6,000 acres of conserved land, over 625 acres of which are open to the public as nature preserves.

The Conservancy has a successful history of working with many partners to meet its conservation objectives. It continues to grow its portfolio of protected lands, all while providing programs, stewardship resources, hands-on conservation volunteer opportunities, and nature-based outreach. The Conservancy fights invasive species, restores critical habitat, and promotes best practices to improve water quality. In short, the Conservancy’s mission, “Conserve land and water resources to promote sustainable communities and a higher quality of life in the Saginaw Bay Watershed” is simply summarized in its tagline: Preserving land. Protecting water. Sustaining life.

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What is theSaginaw BayWatershed?A watershed, simply put, is an area of land where all of rainwater and groundwater flows to the same place. A watershed can be the area that drains into a lake, a creek, a river, a bay, or any water body at all. In our case, the Saginaw Bay Watershed drains land in all or part of 22 counties in Michigan’s heartland.

The Saginaw Bay Watershed runs as far south as Livingston County and north almost to the AuSable River. It stretches from Chippewa Lake near Big Rapids to the eastern reaches of Michigan’s Thumb. Nearly 1.4 million people live within our Watershed. The cities and counties in the Watershed are diverse, but we are united by a common link with Lake Huron, and with the Saginaw Bay. What goes into the storm drain in Vassar, affects the people of Bay City, and so on.

We protect land and engage the community across our entire Watershed because we believe that nature is better served on a watershed level than along a political boundary. The communities inside a watershed must work together for widespread success. Offering our charity to the community on this basis means we can look at wildlife passage, recreational access, and natural features protection in a more natural way, respectful of the connected ecosystems of our home.

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Flora & Fauna of the Saginaw Basin

A birder’s paradise: birds of the Basin

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The Saginaw Bay Watershed is an incredible birding resource. In 2013, the SBLC partnered with Michigan Audubon to developed the Saginaw Bay Birding Trail, designed to highlight “the largest contiguous coastal freshwater wetlands in the United States, and the birds that live here.” The SBLC nature preserves, and the land protected by our partners, will undoubtedly help you build out your “life list.” Keep an eye out for the following incredible birds, which you are far less likely to come across in your daily travels, but which call these wild places home:

Bald Eagle (1) Marsh Wren (7)Caspian Tern (2) Bobolink (8)American White Pelican (3) Belted Kingfisher (9)Trumpeter Swan (4) Yellow Warbler (10)Wood Duck (5) Sandhill Crane (11)Great Blue Heron (6) Osprey (12)

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Wood DucksMarsh Wren

Osprey

Belted Kingfisher

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Bald Eagle

Caspian Terns

Trumpeter Swans

Great Blue Heron

Sandhill Cranes

Yellow Warbler Bobolink

American White Pelican

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The Saginaw BayBirding Trail:

connecting birds and birders

The Saginaw Bay Birding Trail highlights the largest contiguous coastal freshwater wetland system in the United States, and the birds that live there. It covers a total of 142 miles, and runs from Port Crescent State Park to Tawas Point State Park, following the shoreline of the Saginaw Bay. The distinct seasons, diverse habitats, sprawling miles of shoreline, and extensive natural areas with public access make the Trail a birder’s paradise.

The Saginaw Bay Birding Trail, a project of the Conservancy and its partner Michigan Audubon, will help people find the best natural places along our shoreline. Up to fifty sites when complete, it will provide opportunities to see any of our 200-plus bird species.

The Saginaw Bay is Global Priority Important Bird Area (IBA) for migrating waterfowl. Kirtland’s Warblers, an endangered songbird unique to Michigan, nest just a short drive from the Trail. The Saginaw Bay Birding Trail highlights an amazing birding resource, and we invite you to enjoy nature with us on the Trail!

Learn more at: www.saginawbaybirding.org

Sharing the land: animals of interest

(1) Eastern Fox Snake(2) Northern Leopard Frog(3) Blanding’s Turtle(4) Beaver(5) Blue Racer Snake(6) White-tailed Deer(7) Monarch Butterfly(8) Coyote(9) Yellow Swallowtail Butterfly(10) Spotted Salamander

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The variety of habitats you will encounter at our Nature Preserves is amazing! In addition to deeply wooded, old, and mysterious forested land, you’ll find lively open spaces and marshy, beautiful wetlands. In addition to the many birds you will undoubtedly see at any SBLC Preserve, you’ll likely see snakes, frogs, turtles, deer, foxes, and all their wild friends. Keep an eye out, especially for these species:

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Colors of the landscape:

notable plants, trees & wildflowers

(1) Prairie White Fringed Orchid(2) Milkweed(3) Turtlehead(4) Blue Flag Iris (5) Wild Rice(6) Water Lillies(7) Bottled Gentian(8) Eastern Hemlock(9) Paper Birch

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The Saginaw Basin is home to an incredibly diverse array of plants, trees and wildflowers. Although page after page could easily be devoted to many of the

more remarkable species that reside in our Watershed, here are a select few to watch for when you are out enjoying the Preserves or other natural areas.

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Invasive species: a threat to our watershed

Invasive plant and animal species are an ongoing threat to the well-being of native species in the Saginaw Basin. Invasive plants have the ability to take over marshes and open lands, creating monocultures that diminish habitat if not effectively controlled. Exotic animal species are just as much of a concern, as they often lack natural predators to keep their population levels in check and alter their preferred habitats in ways that make it difficult for native species to thrive. For more information on invasives in our watershed, scan the QR code for more info from Michigan DNR’s Invasive Species page online.

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(1) Phragmites (5) Reed Canarygrass(2) Autumn Olive (6) Zebra Mussels(3) Purple Loosestrife (7) Round Gobies(4) Spotted Knapweed (8) Wild Boars

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The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy believes in the power of images. We work to develop evocative artwork that provides recognition for the organization, which draws attention to nature in the community and provides information.

Visit sblc-mi.org/store to get your SBLC gear!

Art of Nature

RESPECTWILDLIFE!PROTECT OUR L A N D S C A P E

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Huron TrailsThe Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy “Huron Trails Nature Trail Network” is our vision for an interconnected, unpaved, nature trail network that would ensure strong, permanent, public access to our land, to other protected lands, and to Lake Huron. This network of trails is intended to connect the people of the Saginaw Bay Watershed with the natural world.

We believe that unpaved, durable, nature trails are not only an infrastructure asset, providing access to protected forests, wetlands, and wildlife, they are also an attraction all their own! The healthful benefits of experiencing nature are connected with many positive outcomes. High-quality trails, and a program of promoting and stewarding those trails, add considerable value to the region and leverage existing investment. Such a network of nature trails is a true triple-bottom-line asset with benefits to the social atmosphere, the economy, and the environment.

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Our Nature Preserves:

yours to explore!

Nature preserves are special places owned by the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy, which we provide to the community for quiet enjoyment. We own these lands because it is the most direct and permanent way to protect their sensitive conservation values and our collective quality of life!

Our preserves are open to the community 365 days a year, dawn until dusk. We ask that you leave no trace and respect the sensitive ecosystems present, and refrain from camping, campfires, smoking, use of motorized vehicles, dumping, littering, or removing vegetation. Please enjoy these unique, wild places and share them with others!

Wah Sash Kah Moqua Nature Preserve (pg.19)

Preserve symbol key

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Improved trails: These trails are well-maintained, established, and often wide. While they remain wilderness trails, they are our easiest trails to hike.

Unimproved trails: These trails are “emerging” and do not always receive regular use. They are sometimes rugged and remote.

Hiking: any Preserve with a trail network and a variety of walking destinations will receive this icon, although the trails may be short.

Birdwatching: Preserves known as homes to healthy and interesting bird populations are identified with this icon. Try visiting during the spring or fall migrations!

Trail running: Trail running preserves are preserves with good hiking, but more trail length, more challenging terrain, or more interesting trails for getting a good workout.

Cross country skiing: While all skiing on our Preserves will be on ungroomed trails, the Preserves with this icon have plenty of space and gentle slopes for easy, enjoyable skiing.

Fishing: If you can get near a good lake or river from or on our Preserve, it will have this icon.

Mountain biking: Several Preserves have enough trail length and the right kind of trails for easy biking, but the sandy surfaces will usually require a bike with bigger, ATB tires. We do not have rugged, technical mountain bike trails, however.

Benches: If a Preserve has benches located throughout its network of trails, both the key and the map itself will have this icon.

Water access: If a Preserve is directly associated with a body of water and is a likely spot to rest your canoe or paddle your kayak, it will have this icon in the key and where trail meets the water right on the map.

Parking: Denotes a suitable area or lot to park your vehicle in while you spend time on the preserve.

Improved trails Unimproved trails Hiking Birdwatching Trail running

X-country skiing Fishing Mountain biking Benches Water accessParking

Pressprich NP

Au Gres Delta NP

Standish NPSaganing NP

Pinconning NP

Wah Sash Kah Moqua NPSand Point NP

Caseville

SBLC’s Lake Huron Coastal Preserves

Our Inland Preserves

SebewaingSaginaw Bay

Port Austin

Bay City

Standish

Au Gres

M25

M25

M13

I-75

US23

US10

Fegan NP

Skidway Lake

Elliott - Patchett NP

Vernon

Shiawassee County

Ogemaw County

Pressprich NP

Au Gres Delta NP

Standish NPSaganing NP

Pinconning NP

Wah Sash Kah Moqua NPSand Point NP

Caseville

SBLC’s Lake Huron Coastal Preserves

Our Inland Preserves

SebewaingSaginaw Bay

Port Austin

Bay City

Standish

Au Gres

M25

M25

M13

I-75

US23

US10

Fegan NP

Skidway Lake

Elliott - Patchett NP

Vernon

Shiawassee County

Ogemaw County

Becoming a member:

how you can help!

You can help make more trails and wildlife habitat conservation possible! As a community-based nonprofit, we depend on people like you!Each year, with the support of people from all walks of life, we work to protect water, wildlife, and open space. Thank you for caring about our local landscapes. It’s because of people like you that the nature preserves featured in this Guide exist.

Want to help? Give us a call at 989-891-9986, scan the QR code below, or visit www.sblc-mi.org/support-us to learn about how you can make a difference.

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Improve Water Quality: The Conservancy will engage in watershed protection and outreach activities that protect and restore natural waterways and water bodies.

Respect Wildlife Habitat: The Conservancy will conserve and steward natural lands for the purpose of providing habitat and open corridors for wildlife.

Sustainable Communities: The Conservancy will engage in meaningful community initiatives by providing its charitable benefits to the community in ways that support broader goals.

Lake Huron Access: The Conservancy will identify and pursue opportunities to provide free access to conserved natural areas and the Lake Huron shoreline.

Historic and Cultural Resources: The Conservancy will relate its work to the community within a broad context of cultural growth and an appreciation for collective heritage.

Photo by Mark Bradtke

Our Values

Sand Point Nature PreserveLocation: Huron CountyYear acquired : 2008Size: 220 acres

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The Sand Point Nature Preserve is one of the most critical protected coastal lands in the Saginaw Bay Watershed, and probably one of the most important in the Great Lakes. The Saginaw Bay Herpetological Survey found Sand Point Nature Preserve to be the most biologically diverse site along the Saginaw Bay shoreline, and there are nearly 200 species of birds recorded there.

This Preserve, our largest, currently covers approximately 220 acres, and includes 5 miles of well established trails with an all-new wayfinding signage program. Enjoy a walk to Mud Lake, or one of two protected wetlands, including Kingbird Pond near the southern entrance. The unique blend of sandy soils, wetlands, open meadows, a deep Hemlock grove, and the Lake Huron coast make Sand Point the region’s crown jewel.

The Preserve’s southern end can be accessed by turning west off M25 onto Dunn Road. Visitors can park

at the gate on the left 1/4 mile down the road. The main lot is off M25,

just north of Dunn Road. Watch for the brown road sign

along the west side of M25.

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Wah Sash Kah Moqua Nature PreserveLocation: Bay & Arenac CountiesYear acquired : 2010Size: 123 acres

Wah Sash Kah Moqua Nature Preserve was named in partnership with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. The name honors Mary Henderson Sagatoo, a white woman from Massachusetts who spent 33 years living with the Chippewa Indians in the area. The name Wah Sash Kah Moqua means “there was darkness but your coming brings light.”

The Preserve itself is a showplace of wetland restoration. Originally dedicated in 2011, Wah Sash Kah Moqua changes quickly and continuously, as it is a wooded wetland in its infancy, growing rapidly. It is home to species that crave woodland habitat as well as those which live in open, prairie areas. In 2012, a new shelter was constructed at the main entrance, providing a shaded wildlife observation opportunity.

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Bay-Arenac Line Rd

Rashott Rd

Wah Sash Kah Moqua’s main parking lot is on the south side of Bay-Arenac Line Road, east

of Arenac State Road.

The southern lot is on the north side of Rashott Road, east of North Shore / Arenac State Road. Watch for the brown road signs along Arenac

State Road.

Pinconning Nature PreserveLocation: Bay CountyYear acquired : 2004Size: ~ 39 acres

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Formerly used as a farmstead with portions under agricultural production, the Pinconning Nature Preserve is home to a variety of wetland types including lowland deciduous forest, scrub/shrub, and emergent marsh. In addition to the wetlands, the preserve is notable for its 2,165 feet of frontage on the Pinconning River.

This preserve serves as a wildlife corridor, a connection for wildlife movement between the surrounding area and the adjacent Pinconning County Park, another excellent location. Together these properties create a natural “greenway” along the last 1,500 feet of the Pinconning River as it drains to Lake Huron. A 1.1 mile trail system leads through the preserve to the River and back.

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E. Pinconning Rd

The Preserve can be accessed by turning

east off M13 onto East Pinconning Road.

The parking lot is on the south side of

East Pinconning Road near Maloney Road.

“The preservation of natural lands by our Conservancy assures that our future generations will always be able to visit a site and experience the true natural beauty of their great country as it was when it was founded.”

- Joe Toth, Member of SBLC’s Board of Directors

Standish Nature PreserveLocation: Arenac CountyYear acquired : 2003Size: ~ 25 acres

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The Standish Nature Preserve is one of the oldest Preserves owned by the Conservancy. It is a beautiful, mature hardwood forest with a series of wetlands and a pond that makes a home for many varieties of birds and wildlife. Standish provides another great spot for birding, with a small pond surrounded by dense hardwoods, all at the feet of a viewing area, just a few steps inward from the trail access on the east side of the Preserve.

“It is important that we maintain a connection with the land. If we lose that connection, we ultimately risk losing the land itself. The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy offers people in our region the opportunity to maintain and, just as importantly, to establish, crucial connections to the world around us.”

-Michael Stoner, Member of SBLC’s Board of Directors

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Bordeau Rd

Saginaw Bay

Standish Nature Preserve can be visited by turning east off Arenac State Road onto Bordeau Road. The Preserve is located on the south side of Bordeau Road after cross-

ing LaFave Road. Park on Bordeau Road at the north trailhead, or turn right onto Bordeau Lane and park on

the right side of the road near the trailhead.

Saganing Nature PreserveLocation: Arenac CountyYear acquired : 2006Size: 38 acres

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Saganing Nature Preserve is home to a dense woodland area and the delta wetland of the Saganing River, which can be accessed on foot from the Preserve parking area. The Saganing Nature Preserve’s delta wetland habitat filters water before it enters the Saginaw Bay, and provides an important sanctuary for migratory birds. The Preserve has a rustic trail extending from the parking area out along the Saganing River. Saganing Nature Preserve is perhaps best enjoyed in winter, especially for aficionados of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing!

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Worth Rd

The Saganing Nature Preserve can be accessed by turning east off Arenac State Road onto Worth Road. Drive

all the way to the end past the casino and park near the

Preserve gate.

Pressprich Nature PreserveLocation: Arenac CountyYear acquired : 2006Size: 48 acres

The Pressprich Nature Preserve was donated to the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy by Charlotte Eickholt Pressprich in 2006 in honor of her late husband Robert. This 48.2 acre property is composed mainly of wetlands, which improve water quality by filtering pollutants. This preserve is home to some special wildflowers; including white flowered beard’s tongues, fringed and bottled gentians, wild sunflowers, and blue flag irises. Prior to being donated to SBLC, the land was being considered as a condominium development site.

To visit the Pressprich Nature Preserve, turn south off US23 onto South Tonkey Road. The Preserve c an be accessed by parking along East Michigan Avenue near the intersection with South Tonkey Road.

Saginaw Bay

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Au Gres Delta Nature PreserveLocation: Arenac CountyYear acquired : 2010Size: 64 acresThe Au Gres Delta Nature Preserve is located in the City of Au Gres, Michigan. The Preserve includes shoreline on Lake Huron, and is adjacent to the Au Gres River. The Au Gres Delta Nature Preserve is unimproved, and is undergoing a large-scale Lake Plain Prairie restoration. The Preserve is a sanctuary for nature, and is being carefully monitored as invasive species are removed and native species are restored.

The Preserve is located in a seasonal floodplain. Depending on conditions and the time of year, the ground may be dry and suitable for hiking or wet and impassible. Venture in at your discretion. The property can be accessed by turning south off US23 onto Santiago Road, just west of Au Gres. Turn left onto Manor Road and park at the end where Manor Road meets Green Drive. There are currently no Preserve signs.

Elliott-Patchett Nature PreserveLocation: Shiawassee CountyYear acquired : 2011Size: 34 acres

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The Elliott-Patchett Preserve is located on 34 acres of land located on the Shiawassee River in Vernon Township, Shiawassee County, Michigan. It was generously donated in 2011 by Larry D. Elliott and his wife, Peggy. “I want to keep the land preserved and a welcoming place,” he said. “I hope that school groups will take kids out and show them what Michigan woods look like. In the spring it has tons of wildflowers and all kinds of nice things.” The Preserve provides excellent access the Shiawassee River for fishing, which local fisherman have done for generations.

To visit the Preserve, take the exit for M71 to Vernon off I69. Turn right on Vernon Road off M71 and look for the preserve sign on the left after you pass Goodall Road.

Park off the road near the sign. You can access the preserve and the river by walking along the treeline

(red line on map) to the woods.

FeganNature PreserveLocation: Ogemaw CountyYear acquired : 2008Size: 10 acres

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Fegan Nature Preserve is a 10-acre nature preserve with a unique blend of meadows, wetlands, wooded areas, and a groomed trail just a few miles east of Skidway Lake. The Preserve forever protects a wetland and its adjoining open meadow ecosystem. It is noted for being home to the Blue Racer Snake, which is uncommon in Michigan due to habitat destruction.

Access the Preserve by taking exit 202 off I-75 for M33. Turn right after you exit to head north on M33 and turn right again at Greenwood Road. Turn left on Henderson Lake Road after driving through Skidway Lake. The Preserve will be on the left just after you pass Cranberry Lake Road.

Partnerships forconservation:

SBLC & ITC Holdings Corp.

The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy works hand-in-hand with several governmental, corporate and fellow non-profit partners to effectively achieve their conservation goals. ITC Holdings Corp. is one of these valued partners and has assisted the SBLC in a variety of ways, including access and habitat improvements at a number of the Conservancy’s Nature Preserves, as well as the financial support of this Field Guide. We value these partnerships and the ability they have to bring the Conservancy that much closer to our goal of improving life in the Saginaw Bay Watershed!

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ITC Holdings Corp. is the largest independent electricity transmission company in the country. ITC invests in the electric transmission grid to improve system reliability, expand access to markets, lower the overall cost of delivering energy and allow new generating resources to interconnect to its transmission systems.

For more information:visit www.itc-holdings.com

AcknowledgementsWith special thanks to:

ITC Holdings, Inc. for financial support for the publication and distribution of this Guide.

The F.P. Horak Company for their technical expertise, excellent production, and generous support.

Our friends at Michigan Audubon, Little Forks Conservancy, Chippewa Watershed Conservancy, Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy, the Land Trust Alliance, the Huron County Nature Center, Chippewa Nature Center, Friends of the Shiawassee River, Cass River Greenway Committee, The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network, The United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bay Area, Saginaw, and Huron Community Foundations, Ducks Unlimited, and Huron Pines for their outstanding partnership to help us achieve our mission.

Roger Eriksson, for his beautiful nature photography.

Joe Soehnel, for his leadership in the appreciation and study of birds and wildlife in our watershed.

...and to the many sponsors, members, volunteers, staff, and fans that make the work of the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy possible!

www.sblc-mi.org / 989.891.9986

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We hope you keep your Field Guide for many years. If you decide you no longer need your copy, please consider passing it along to someone who may

enjoy it! If you must, please recycle this Guide. If you would like to share additional copies with your friends, scan the QR code above

or visit www.sblc-mi.org and learn how.

The pages of this book are printed on paper that is both FSC certified and recycled (containing 35% post-consumer waste). The FSC logo identifies forest

which have been certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council.

• 2013 •