The goal of this project is to acquire 67 acres of land along the Au Sable River to establish a public nature preserve. This effort will protect sensitive shoreline and river wetlands within a critical habitat corridor. The property is a highly valuable parcel, featuring 1,320 feet of frontage along the main branch of the Au Sable River.

With increasing interest in riverfront living and recreation, opportunities to protect and enhance the remaining undeveloped stretches of the Au Sable River are becoming increasingly rare. This parcel is already protected by a conservation easement, which safeguards its natural features, including mature trees, sensitive wetlands, and vital wildlife habitat. However, by acquiring ownership of the land, HeadWaters Land Conservancy has a unique opportunity to strengthen that protection through active stewardship and ensure that this remarkable place becomes publicly accessible. Many people are drawn to this region because of its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, paddling, and nature observation. Ownership by HWLC not only reinforces the long-term conservation goals of the easement, but also allows us to manage the land in a way that invites the public to responsibly experience and appreciate the river’s natural character, now and for generations to come.

The current landowner has expressed a deep personal commitment to seeing this land permanently protected, not only to honor her own connection to the property but to continue the legacy of care passed down through generations of her family. Her parents were the ones who placed the conservation easement on the land, and she now seeks to build on their foresight by working with HWLC to protect it as a nature preserve. She envisions it as more than just preserved ground—it is a place where the community can gather, connect with nature, and experience the same peace and beauty that inspired her family's stewardship. Her vision aligns with our mission, and together, we are working to create a space that is both ecologically protected and meaningfully accessible.