MICHIGAN BOTANICAL SOCIETY

SOUTHWESTERN CHAPTER FIELD TRIP

Wade Memorial Nature Sanctuary, Allegan County

With Joe Trapp, Michigan Botanical Society, Southwestern Chapter

Saturday July 27, 2024, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Located three miles east of Saugatuck in Allegan County, the Wade Memorial Nature Sanctuary sits atop a high bluff overlooking wetlands that lead to the shores of Silver Lake. This 72-acre sanctuary is a fine example of a mesic northern forest mix of beech, maple and other deciduous trees with scattered hemlocks that have grown back after a wildfire that occurred in the early 1900’s.

 The mesic northern forest exhibited at Wade Memorial Sanctuary typically occurs north of the climatic tension zone and is dominated by northern hardwoods, like sugar maple, American beech, and conifers such as hemlock and white pine. It is supported by slightly acidic sandy soil and depends on natural wind disturbances for regeneration of shade-tolerant canopy species. Due to the long intervals between large-scale disturbances, mesic northern forests tend to be multi-generational, with old-growth tracts lasting several centuries if left undisturbed.

The trip difficulty level is rated easy. The flat, established trails consist of a bisected rectangular loop, creating two square-shaped trails that total about one mile. Insect repellent, sunscreen, water as well as suitable clothing are suggested.

 Joe Trapp is the current president of the Southwestern Chapter of the Michigan Botanical Society.

Directions. The address is 3270 62nd St, Saugatuck, MI 49453. From the Kalamazoo area, take US-131 north to the Plainwell exit and then M-89 west.  On the west side of Fennville, turn right (north) on the 58th Street. Follow 58th Street and then turn left (west) on to Old Allegan Rd.  At 62nd Street turn left (south).  The preserve is on the right (west) side of the road. There is a small parking area under the power lines.