Located in Grand Haven Township, DePersia South Highlands Nature Preserve offers a small pocket of natural beauty along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Forested dunes like the ones found here provide critical habitats for many species of wildflowers, birds, and reptiles as well as providing critical stop over sites for migratory animals.
Features~
– Established in 2002
– 13 acres
– Steep terrain with two 140-foot forested dune hills
– A view of Lake Michigan through the trees at the top of the dune hill
– Wildlife viewing
– Spring ephemeral wildflowers
– Due to the fragile dunes, there is no trail system at this preserve
History~
This land was originally purchased by John and Dora DePersia and their friends in 1909 when the first cottages in the area were being built. At that time, traveling to the property was difficult: the DePersias and other cottage owners would take the steamer from Chicago, the interurban train to Grand Haven, and then travel by horse and buggy down the beach and climb up the dune hills.
Nearly 100 years later, the DePersia family and several other families in the association wanted the land to be conserved so as to maintain its natural integrity for years to come. Ownership of the property was transferred to the Land Conservancy of West Michigan through a bargain sale and with the funding support of the South Highlands Beach Association.
Location and Parking~
The DePersia South Highlands Preserve is located on South Highlands Road off of Brucker Street in Grand Haven Township. Visitors should park on Brucker Street and walk in to the preserve.
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Payments Accepted
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Hours
Dawn to dusk -
Cost(s)
No fees -
Amenities
13 acres Steep terrain with two 140-foot forested dune hills A view of Lake Michigan through the trees at the top of the dune hill Wildlife viewing Spring ephemeral wildflowers Due to the fragile dunes, there is no trail system at this preserve -
Travel time from downtown Grand Haven
8 Minutes
