Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve, Traverse City, Michigan, a Natural Environmental Classroom and Scenic Reserve

The Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve is a 435-acre tract of land located along the Boardman River, three miles from downtown Traverse City. The Reserve was dedicated on July 4, 1976 as a "natural environmental classroom for area youth.''

Within the expansive tract can be found just about every type of cover that exists in the state of Michigan. There's a true swamp, a bog, a marsh, as well as a creek, river, and an active beaver pond. There's also level terrain, several types of soil, numerous plants, and upland and pine forests, all of which create an excellent habitat for deer, fox, otter, mink, and an assortment of birds and other animals.

The central feature of the Reserve is the Boardman River, which runs for approximately two miles through the area. In the northern section of the Reserve, the river is impounded, creating the Sabin and Boardman Ponds, while the southern section is free-flowing, as is its natural state.

In the southern area, the Boardman River is at its most dramatic, falling in a series of rapids and passing through the remnants of the old Keystone Dam and berm walls and spillways that are now being reclaimed by nature. In the river valley, there is evidence that a glacier formed the valley and then ground to a halt, providing an opportunity for students and others a glimpse into the history of the area and the earth.

To assist visitors in moving throughout the Reserve, there are several miles of improved trails along the river, including more than 1200 feet of boardwalks and bridges. There are also five miles of developed trails, including the Boardman Pond Trail, which extends along the east and west sides of the pond.

The Reserve also features several overlooks to allow visitors a better view of the river and surrounding area, canoe portage sites, a small boat launch, picnic areas, and a fishing platform. The Reserve makes for an ideal setting for hiking in warmer months (or snowshoeing in winter), nature study, bird watching, photography, or simply escaping from civilization into a quiet, natural setting.

In addition, the Reserve and Nature Center offer a number of outdoor activities and adventures, such as:

The Holiday Hike, where visitors can strap on snowshoes and search for animal tracks, discuss winter ecology and explore the Natural Education Reserve.

"The Art of Tracking & Bird Language'' allows visitors to join a Native American guide on the Fox Den Trail to learn the art of tracking, including learning to read the winter landscape, looking for signs of native animals and distinguishing a variety of animal tracks.

"Fossil Frenzy'' answers questions, such as: What kinds of fossils are found in our area? How old are they? How did they get here? The guided tour teaches visitors to identify some of the local fossils and to pick a Petoskey Stone to take home. The session also includes a video on how the Great Lakes were formed by the advance and retreat of the glaciers.

The "Where do Insects go in Winter?'' tour answers questions, such as: What happens to butterflies, bees, praying mantises and other insects when the long, cold winter begins in northern Michigan? Where do they go and how do they keep from freezing?

Whether for educational study or simply escaping, the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve serves as a scenic natural classroom and environment for people of all ages.