Hardwoods and conifers dominate the landscape. The lush and varied vegetation provides excellent habitat for wildlife. Wild roses thrive along the shore where raccoons gather meals of freshwater clams. The preserve's magnificent cedars, red maples and hemlocks support many bird species. The site is also the head of the inland water route, which was used by area Native Americans to canoe from Little Traverse to Lake Huron.
Trails here are well groomed for easy walking.
Another popular natural area is the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve. It's located at 6696 Lower Shore Drive in Harbor Springs. Established in 1982, Thorne Swift is a cooperative project between the Little Traverse Conservancy and West Traverse Township. The preserve features the Elizabeth Kennedy Nature Center, a boardwalk trail through wetlands, a sandy 300-foot beach and a dune observation deck that provides a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan. The area is home to a variety of mushrooms, plants and birds.