The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy owns nature preserves that are open to the public! They are natural areas in need of protection and management for the ecological benefits they provide to people and the environment. They are open to the public for enjoyment, recreation, and education. They were purchased through collaborations with area partners or donated to the Conservancy.

  • Au Gres Delta Nature Preserve

    Location: Arenac County

    Year Acquired: 2010

    Size: 64 acres

  • Discovery Preserve & Nature Playground

    Location: Bay County

    Year Acquired: 2013

    Size: 12 acres

  • Eickholt-Pressprich Nature Preserve

    Eickholt-Pressprich Nature Preserve

    Location: Arenac County

    Year Acquired: 2006

    Size: 48.7 acres

  • Elliot-Patchett Nature Preserve

    Location: Shiawassee County

    Year Acquired: 2011

    Size: 34 acres

  • Fegan Nature Preserve

    Location: Ogemaw County

    ​Year Acquired: 2008

    Size: 10 acres

  • Janet Nash Riverfront Preserve

    Location: Saginaw County

    Year Acquired: 2017

    Size: 3 acres

  • Michigan Sugar Trails

    Location: Bay County

    ​Year Acquired: 2014

    Size: 26 acres

  • Pinconning Nature Preserve

    Saginaw Bay Coastal Wildlands Project

    Location: Bay County

    Year Acquired: 2004

    Size: ~39 acres

  • Riverbend West Nature Area

    Location: Bay County

    Year Acquired: 2022

    Size: 8.5 acres

  • Saganing Nature Preserve

    Saginaw Bay Coastal Wildlands Project

    Location: Arenac County

    Year Acquired: 2006

    Size: 38 acres

  • Sand Point Nature Preserve

    Location: Huron County

    Year Acquired: 2008

    Size: 220 acres

  • Standish Nature Preserve

    Saginaw Bay Coastal Wildlands Project

    Location: Arenac County

    Acquired: 2003

    Size: ~ 25 acres

  • Wah Sash Kah Moqua Nature Preserve

    Saginaw Bay Coastal Wildlands Project

    Location: Bay and Arenac Counties

    Acquired: 2010

    Size: 123 acres

Why preserve/own these properties?

Many of the lands we own are home to wetlands, which provide many benefits, including preserving water quality, reducing sediment entering rivers and the bay, providing a barrier to erosion along shorelines, helping with flood protection, and providing the beginning of the food chain. In addition to the environmental benefits of protecting coastal wetlands, the preserves provide recreational opportunities for residents and tourists. General purposes for the preserves are:

  1. Preserve the conservation values in a predominately natural state in perpetuity

  2. Provide a nature area that is open to the public for educational and recreational use.

  3. Eliminate or reduce as much as possible existing or future impairments to the scenic landscape and natural character.

  4. Preserve in an undisturbed state any historical or archaeological features.

  5. Provide a natural home to many species of wildlife.

  6. Protect to the extent practical the diversity of plant species found at the site from invasive species and human disturbance.

Preserve Rules

Preserves are monitored by a regular visit a minimum of every 3 months by members of the conservancy board, staff or other volunteers. It is our responsibility to ensure that the conservation purposes are achieved.

  1. Open during daylight (dawn to dusk)

  2. No overnight camping

  3. No campfires/smoking

  4. No motorized vehicles

  5. No littering/dumping debris

  6. No disturbance or removal of vegetation except as part of a Conservancy management plan