This is North America's first bird sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of Sandhill Cranes, established in 1941. It spans some 980 acres in Calhoun County and is the second largest property owned and managed by Michigan Audubon. The centerpiece is the 200 acre Big Marsh Lake, a restored wetland flooding. In the preserve are other ponds, streams, marshes, tamarack swamp. wet meadow, prairie restoration area.
More than 200 species of birds have been recorded. Reported were a pair of breeding trumpeter swans and an active eagle nesting site.
More than 200 species of birds have been recorded. Reported were a pair of breeding trumpeter swans and an active eagle nesting site.
The Meadow and Marshland Trail was created in 1996. Trails are kept mowed. Lots of wildlife in the area, not only birds.
21145 15 Mile Rd., Bellevue Convis Twp T1S, R6W Sec 10,11,14 &15
In 2016 an additional 80 acres were added, the Mabelle Isham Shagbark Trails. A collaborative effort through various conservation agencies arranged purchase of the property from her daughter who inherited the property.
And the most recent development is a conservation easement on farm land east of the lake. Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy arranged this working with the property owner, the Holcombs. Big Marsh Farm is a 476 acre addition to protected lands of Baker Sanctuary.
More about the benefactors in a later post...
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