Sutherland Nature Sanctuary

This Sanctuary is a 75 acre wooded property located near Hadley, Michigan, in the southern park of Lapeer County. It is home to many plants, animals and birds. Woodchip trails, developed by Boy Scouts and other volunteers, wind through the property providing easy and safe access.

A pavilion and picnic tables, also build by volunteers with donated materials, provide a meeting place and shelter. Bridges double as viewing platforms, and benches along the trails encourage visitors to linger and observe nature. Signs identifying trees along the trails are the result of a very successful intern program. Gardens near the entrance attract butterflies and humming birds.

Activities at the Sanctuary include: school field trips, family and group outings, hiking, bird watching, tree identification, native plant inventories, frog walks, environmental programs, intern training, and wetlands and meadow restoration projects.

Visitors are welcome from dawn to dusk. Guides can be arranged for tree and bird identification as well as nighttime frog and owl walks. To volunteer or arrange for a group visit, cal (810) 797-4643.

Riseman Refuge

Riseman Refuge is a 10-acre parcel of land adjacent to the Polly Ann Trail in Section 13 of Dryden Township. The property is a wooded wetland loaded with birds, frogs, insects and other wildlife. The southeast corner and east side are bordered by the Belle River. The Friends of the Polly ann Trail the GLBLC are collaborating to develop an educational plan for the refuge. (810) 664-5647

Klam Road Wetlands

The Conservancy owns 18 acres on Klam Road just outside of Columbiaville, MI., in northwestern Lapeer County. This property includes a wetland that was threatened by soil erosion. The Conservancy has planted warm and cool season grasses on the high land that was formerly used as cropland. These grasses will help to protect the wetland by preventing soil erosion and by filtering the water that runs into the wetland. Two acres of privately owned land adjacent to the Conservancy property were also planted with grasses and provide futher protection. The American Farmland Trust holds a conservation easement on this land protecting it from further development. (810)664-5647.

Tibbits Land Stewardship Center

This privately owned 130-acre farm located near the Village of Columbiaville, MI has been established as a nature sanctuary and demonstration site for increasing bio-diversity on farmland. Tours and visits can be arranged by calling (810)793-5303.

Dorr Wildlife Habitat

20 acres of cropland have been restored to wildlife habitat by blocking a waterway to establish a duck pond and by planting native shrubs that will provide cover and berries for small animals. Warm and cool season grasses have been planted adjacent to neighboring woods to establish an open area for grazing and nesting. A conservation easement held by GLBLC was put on this fifty-acre farm in 2006 and protects the entire property permanently. (810)664-5647.