Let the exploration begin.
Deer Hunting Season Notice
November 1 – December 31
Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy (MMLC) conducts authorized deer management activities on select natural areas each fall to help maintain healthy deer populations and protect native vegetation. Excessive deer browsing can negatively affect native wildflowers, tree regeneration, and other sensitive plant communities. Carefully managed hunting is an important tool in maintaining the ecological health of our preserves.
Properties with Authorized Hunting
The following MMLC properties have authorized deer hunting during the November 1 through December 31 season:
Atherton Natural Area: Archery and firearm
Iosco Natural Area: Archery and firearm
Swains Lake Natural Area: Archery and firearm
Kindel Family Natural Area: Archery and firearm
Ionia Natural Area: Archery only
Bunker Nature Preserve: No hunting permitted
Important Information for Visitors
Visitors accessing MMLC properties during hunting season should exercise additional caution:
Stay on designated trails. Remaining on established trails is essential during hunting season.
Wear bright, highly visible clothing. This is strongly encouraged when visiting properties where hunting is authorized.
Remain aware of your surroundings and use caution while enjoying the preserves.
MMLC Hunting Policy
Hunting and trapping are not permitted on MMLC properties without prior authorization from MMLC staff. All hunting opportunities are currently filled, and turnover is very infrequent. The waiting list is extensive, and it is unlikely that additional opportunities will become available in the near future.
MMLC appreciates the public's understanding and cooperation as we balance recreational access with responsible wildlife management and the protection of native habitats.
Thank you for supporting Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy.
Use this interactive map to locate our public preserves, learn a bit about what makes each of them unique, then decide which you’d like to explore first.
There’s no admission fee for any of our properties but donations are gratefully accepted.
Bunker Nature Preserve
Bunker Nature Preserve boasts a wide variety of natural communities, including vernal pools, ponds, forest, forested-wetlands, and prairie.
Eureka Natural Area
This property is primarily wetlands with some forested wetlands present on the property.
Ionia Natural Area
120 acres of prairie and riparian forest with stunning views of the Grand River and a picturesque prairie with an array of wildflowers.
Swains Lake Natural Area
8-acre prairie fen with high biological diversity of forbs, grasses, and sedges with habitat for threatened and endangered species.
Iosco Natural Area
This property begins with a planted red pine forest which transitions into a mature beech-maple forest.
Hillsdale Natural Area
7 acres of woods with high biological diversity with 800 feet of frontage along Fourth Lake
Atherton Natural Area
81 acres with mowed walking trails through forest and shrubland with views of Atherton Creek and the Looking Glass River
Kindel Family Natural Area
98.5 acres , 50 acres of grassland, 35 acres of woodland, 15 acres of wetland. Open January 1st to October 31st. Adjacent to Sleepy Hollow State Park. New Trail system planned for 2024-2025.