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iNaturalist is a community science platform we use to share flora and fauna information found on GTRLC properties. Learn what's been seen and how you can share your observations!

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Protected, owned and managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.

PLEASE NOTE: Because of sensitive wildlife, dogs are not allowed at this preserve. A ¼ mile section in the central portion of the boardwalk trail is closed each year from April 15 – July 15 to avoid disturbing several species of sensitive wetland birds during their peak nesting season. Access during this closure remains available from both the M-22 and St. Pierre Road parking lots.


Arcadia Marsh Preserve, located just south of Arcadia, offers visitors access to a Great Lakes Coastal Marsh, a rare and declining natural community found only in Great Lakes coastal areas. It is estimated that over 80% of all original Great Lakes marshes have been destroyed. These marshes are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world, and Arcadia Marsh is one of only 15 or so remaining coastal marshes along Lake Michigan’s Lower Peninsula shoreline. Intensive habitat restoration work completed here by GTRLC and a dedicated team of partners has helped improve this ecosystem tremendously after many decades of decline due to invasive species and man-made impacts.

Please be sure to check out our action-packed Arcadia Marsh Bird and Botanical Guide for helpful information on the birds and plants found here!

Read the Arcadia Marsh chapter from our 25th anniversary publication Love the Land: Pass it On.

To learn about the creation of the universal access trail here, read the Arcadia Marsh Universal Access trail chapter from our Campaign for Generations publication.