POWELL NATURE SANCTUARY, Dillon Hwy, Hudson Township
Michigan Nature Association volunteer crossing Bean Creek
Powell Nature Sanctuary is an undeveloped and undisturbed property along Bean Creek, a donation to the Michigan Nature Association, a conservation organization dedicated to protecting examples of Michigan's unique natural habitats and rare or endangered species. The Powell Sanctuary can only be reached by crossing Bean Creek, and often "access is hazardous," reports the Michigan Nature Association's Nature Sanctuary Guidebook.
The Guidebook notes: "The most spectacular feature of Powell Memorial is its astonishing variety of trees, a poignant reminder of the past bounty of Michigan's native forests. Over half of the tree species indigenous to Michigan are here, including many now rarely seen. Among those are hackberry, honeylocust, chinkapin oak, blue ash, and pawpaw...This is a place only the hardy and adventuruous should try to find. There is no maintained trail and the creek is difficult even to ford. A tree that once formed a natural bridge has been washed away. If you go, carry a compass, a map, a tree guide, and be careful."
If you'd like to visit Powell Nature Sanctuary, e-mail David Green for information: dgreen@tc3net.com