The Sault Field Naturalists purchased the property in 1968 at a tax sale. A number of northern orchid species can be found on the property, including arethusa, heartleaf twayblade and green adder's mouth. Rattlesnake plantain can be found on the drier ground of the wooded knoll. Typical northern bird species, such as black-throated green warbler, can be seen on the reserve. Evidence of the presence of many furbearers, such as beaver, muskrat, and mink, is common.
Some deer yarding takes place on the property.
St. Joseph's Island itself also has one of the most complete sets of features, such as sand dunes, old shorelines, and old shorecliffs, from the glacial lakes that preceded the Great Lakes. St. Joseph National Historic Park is nearby and the marshes along the island's shore are good for seeing waterbirds. It is best to contact the Sault Field Naturalists before heading to the reserve as the property is not marked and there are no formal trails. To reach the reserve, turn right off of Hwy. 548 just south of Hilton Beach, which is just north of the highway's easternmost point.