The Round Lake Preserve is the site of the Conservancy office and a good place to begin. Get there from Petoskey by taking U.S. 31 north to Mich. Hwy. The preserve includes 60 acres featuring more than 1,500 feet of Round Lake frontage. 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.