Celebrating Woods and Waters

Opening Day at McDuffie Creek Nature Preserve 

Story and photos by Charles Chandler
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Sometimes very good things happen along the margins of our beautiful and diverse Newaygo County. On Saturday October 21st about 30 folks gathered way up in northern Newaygo County to celebrate the opening of the 300-acre McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan (LCWM) was our host and the brilliant maples and burbling Little South Branch of the Pere Marquette River was the perfect venue for this important event.  “LCWM is a non-profit land conservancy that works with private landowners and governmental bodies to permanently protect and care for the land. These often-include West Michigan’s best examples of diverse forests, grassy fields, flowering meadows, marshy wetlands, and rolling sand dunes. These significant habitats and ecosystems are home to a rich variety of plants and wildlife, some of which are now threatened or endangered species.” 

For today’s event there was a talented guitarist, a delicious spread of fruit, cheeses, meats, and an excellent selection of beverages and desserts. The LCWM staff had abundant seating, a shelter from a possible rain shower and a small Dais for the celebratory event speakers.  

The speakers were LCWM staff members Conservation Director, Justin Heslinga, Executive Director Kim Karns, Board Member John Scholtz, and 101 District Representative Joe Fox. All spoke about the unique value the McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve provides to the community and West Michigan.  Justin emphasized that the 300-acre McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve is a perfect example of that natural beauty and rich diversity. The Preserve encompasses wetlands, uplands and both the Little South Branch of the Pere Marquette River and McDuffee Creek. The speakers thanked the donors, countless volunteers, LCWM staff and many partners that made the acquisition and today’s event possible.

The attending fishermen pointed out that the Little South Branch of the Pere Marquette is also a state designated Wild and Scenic River. It is one of Michigan’s premier natal streams providing protected spawning habitat for salmon, steelhead and trout.  This was evident by the many King Salmon that were busily completing their spawning cycle in the nearby stream and totally ignoring the curious observers and event festivities. 
It was interesting to note that most participants stood in small groups rather than sitting. After the short speeches by the Land Conservancy staff, it was obvious as to why.  They were anxiously awaiting the guided tour and the opportunity to hit the trails and explore this unique new Preserve.
In parking lot interviews with Justin and Executive Director Kim Karns some additional information was gathered. Justin mentioned that the Preserves streams and wetlands were invaluable but the uplands were also. One of the LCWM aspirational projects is to return some areas of the Preserve uplands to natural oak savannas. These important savannas are the preferred habitat of the indigenous and federally endangered Blue Karner Butterfly. 

Director Karns restated that one of the goals of LCWM was to keep nature nearby. The LCWM focuses on an eight-county area and was really happy to have the opportunity to work in Newaygo County to help preserve the natural and rural character of the community.  She wanted to thank all the private donors, government agencies and the Foundations for their contributions. The Community Foundation for Muskegon County and The Fremont Area Community Foundation supported this project. Director Karns noted that LCWM needs to raise an additional $140.000 for infrastructure projects and to continue restoring the preserve to its natural habitat. 
As our competent and colorful Drain Commission Mr. Dale Twing often reminds me all politics and successful watershed conservation happens at the local level and through collaboration.  
After months of negotiations, fundraising and hard work the 300-acre McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve, located at 11510 N. Walnut Avenue, Bitely, MI 49309 is now open to the public. It will be protected in perpetuity and this legacy will be enjoyed by future generations and that is a very good thing.  I strongly recommend you gather the brood and head up north and gently explore this great example of Newaygo County’s diverse woods and waters. 
For additional information about the Land Conservancy and to make those so very important donations please click on the following link. https://naturenearby.org/