Creation of a Nature Preserve: Leaving a Legacy of Land

From the top of a windswept bluff, an open field stretches to the edge of a high clay bank and cascades down to meet the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan.  Discover how the protection of this special preserve was made possible in part because of the generosity of two families, the Kreuter sisters in 2008 and the Bogdanovich family in 2023, through a land donation and bargain sale. The gift and vision of these families ensures that the spectacular scenery and wild shoreline here will be enjoyed and appreciated for generations to come.

The Legacy Preserve with over 3000 feet of undeveloped shoreline, a cedar-filled wetland, open fields, a meandering stream, and steep clay bluff that meanders through the preserve, provides important habitat for migratory and nesting birds, like bobolinks and kestrels, and a host of other unique plants and animals. Join us on a hike along a 1 ½ mile fairly level trail through field and forest and the lakeshore as we discover its plants and animals and learn about the restoration of this preserve’s farmland to prairie and young forest.

Free • Open to public

Leader: Terrie Cooper, Thomas Stasiak