Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP)

While only 29 acres in size the long narrow shape of this preserve—sandwiched between the Huron River and the railroad—makes it feel like a much larger area. River shoreline makes up the entire southern edge of this little gem, about three-quarters of a mile, and almost all of the property is forested with both rich floodplain forest and drier mature uplands. Start exploring and you’ll find some surprises tucked into the woods...sunny little sedge meadows, two prairie remnants along the railroad tracks, and a stone tepee ring that was built by the former owners!

Located within the state Natural Rivers protection zone, this land has been a wildlife area since 1980 and was acquired through the Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program in 2005. While a popular destination for fishing, birdwatching and canoe landings, the property is valuable from a historical perspective as well. Portions of an old mill dam and race provide evidence of the site’s former use and an important reminder of the water-powered past of local area industry.

We’ve recently completed construction of the preserve entrance and parking area and have cleared a path to make a nice little loop trail at the eastern end of the preserve. More trails are planned to traverse the entire property and, until then, you’ll find pink flagging tape and game trails that are fairly easy to follow. Enjoy!

Directions: From I-94: Exit 169--Zeeb Road, northbound. Preserve entrance is approximately 2.1 miles.
**Entrance/parking is a jog in the road on the left (west) side of Zeeb Road, immediately north of the bridge over the river (and approx. 0.1 miles south of Huron River Drive). If the parking lot is full, visitors can park in the Sweepster Lot across the street, just north of the preserve entrance.