The association donated the island to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy in 1996, to help guarantee its quality as an undisturbed nature preserve. She kind of spearheaded the idea of putting the trail out there. She knew the importance of preserving, in our country, all the lands that we could. Rybarz was one of the prime forces behind the nature trail, Bourdo noted. Her efforts, along with other garden club members, led to the realization of the nature trail on South Island.
South Island is accessible only by private watercraft.
The only structure on it, aside from the conservancy's do's and don'ts sign, is a temporary dock on the northwestern corner of the island. By canoe, the trek to the island takes about an hour. The nearest public boat launch is Crescent Shores, which is located off of West Long Lake Road. Perhaps one of the most stunning aspects of the island is its diversity. The island also has a small pond where bog and swamp flora flourish.