Recreation features

What do you like to do outdoors?

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public preserve FAQ’s and guidelines

♦  How much does it cost to get into your preserves?

SWMLC’s public nature preserves have no admission fee and are open to everyone. But as a local nonprofit organization that relies on public support, donations are greatly appreciated. Your support helps create and maintain welcoming public preserves for the whole community to love. You can feel good in knowing that by giving, you’re protecting the habitats where endangered plants and animals thrive, saving acres of land from being developed, ensuring that there will always be healthy ponds where kids can hear frogs and see fish, restoring native plants that sustain wildlife, and protecting water quality for millions of Michiganders.

♦  When are your preserves open?

SWMLC’s public nature preserves are open every day from dawn to dusk. Please note that access to some preserve parking areas may be limited during heavy snow events.

♦  Are dogs allowed on your public preserves?

Dogs are welcome at SWMLC’s public preserves but must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and dog waste must be packed out. Ground-nesting animals are upset by loose dogs and may abandon their eggs or babies if disturbed. In addition, children, adults, and leashed dogs may feel threatened when approached by a loose dog. Please help keep our nature preserves a haven for people and wildlife – even chipmunks deserve a safe place to call home!

It takes a long time for dog waste to degrade and our preserves have many canine visitors, so the poop can really pile up alongside the trails – which is especially gross once the snow thaws and a winter’s worth is unveiled. This creates a very unpleasant experience for trail users. In addition, dog waste can pose a water quality issue in areas where the natural flow will take it into a wetland, stream, or lake. This is why dog owners must take their pet’s waste with them when they leave the preserve.

♦  Why don’t you provide trash cans?

Because our non-profit land conservancy serves such a large area (the nine-county corner of southwest Michigan) and our staff is small in number, we are not able to maintain trash cans at our public preserves. Please be responsible and pack out your trash – including dog waste.

♦  Are restrooms available?

Most SWMLC public nature preserves do not have restrooms. The exception is Pilgrim Haven Natural Area near South Haven.

♦  Where can I get a trailmap?

Links to trail maps may be found on individual preserve pages. Trailhead maps and “You are Here” maps that are posted trailside are slowly being added to many of our public preserves.

♦  Can I reserve a preserve for a special occasion such as a family reunion or wedding?

Sorry, SWMLC public nature preserves may not be reserved for private functions.

♦  Is overnight camping allowed?

No, camping is not allowed on any SWMLC preserve.

♦  Can I pick mushrooms or berries?

Foraging for plants or mushrooms is not allowed without permission. As nature preserves, these natural foods must be left for wildlife.

♦  Is rock collecting allowed?

Rocks may not be taken in large quantities (ie. buckets or other containers), but a small number may be collected for study or souvenirs.

♦  May I fly a drone at one of your preserves?

Drones may not be flown at SWMLC preserves without permission or invitation. We try to make our nature preserves into safe refuges for wildlife, and some birds (notably eagles, hawks, and owls) may feel threatened by drones, especially during nesting season.  

♦  Have something to report?

If you find something that isn’t right – such as vandalism, dumping or a trail blocked by a fallen tree – please contact us via email. You will be helping us and your community! For emergencies, please call 911.

♦  Can I hunt on a SWMLC preserve?

Hunting and/or trapping are not allowed on SWMLC preserves without permission.

In addition, please follow these guidelines:

♦  Stay on trails. This helps prevent erosion problems and protects delicate wildflowers and other plants from being trampled.

♦  Take your trash with you when you leave. As a non-profit with a small staff and a 9-county service area, we are not able to maintain trash cans at our preserves.

♦  Respect wildlife. Please keep dogs on 6-foot long leashes at all times and do not allow them to chase wildlife. Even chipmunks deserve a break!

♦  No motorized vehicles

♦  No bikes or horses due to erosion issues

♦  No camping or fires

♦  No fireworks

♦  No dumping

♦  Do not collect, remove, or destroy plants and wildlife

♦  Do not bring alcohol or glass containers into the preserve