Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

No motorized vehicles or bicycles. No pets.

Coastal plain marshes are rare in the Great Lakes region; they are typically found only along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Out of all 42 coastal plain marshes in Michigan, this preserve boasts three of the highest quality. Much of this preserve once served as a vacation spot for the Ross family. You can still see vestiges of their time spent here, including the foundation of their vacation house, overlooking one of many small lakes on the preserve.

You are likely to encounter reptiles and amphibians around the coastal plain marshes and small ponds. Keep an eye out for mammals such as red fox and coyote. You may see one of the 100 bird species known to nest in the shrubs and trees here throughout the year, with spring and fall migrations bringing songbirds, warblers and waterfowl.