Here are 128 acres of rolling fields, forest, marshland, stream, kettle hole marshes and several springs. And even a rustic cabin for rent. The old barn and house still stand and the sanctuary manager gets to live in the house.
The property sits between Yankee Springs Recreation Area and the Barry State Game Area. Nearest neighbor is a farm half mile down the road and that's it for a couple of miles. Most of the old surrounding farms were bought up by the state back in the 1940's.
Grand opening was Oct 25, 2002. The sanctuary came to be largely due to the friendship that developed between Bob & Mildred Otis with Loretta Gold, then president of the Michigan Audubon Society.
Notable birds species are Cerulean Warbler, and Henslow's Sparrow. I've seen Sandhill Cranes passing overhead. I hear birds, but trying to see enough of one to actually make an identification it is a challenge. It's nice just to hear them and watch the grass wave in the wind.
It is disappointing that the Michigan Audubon website doesn't even post a photo and there is no information about the generous donors, not for any of the sanctuaries, hence this blog.
3560 Havens Road, Hastings Rutland Twp T3N R9W Sec 32 & 33
Walking the 1.2 mile trail I was reminded a bit of the Scottish Highlands. Rolling hill, groups of brightly colored flowers among the grasses.
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