|
|
|
Laughing Whitefish Lake Preserve/The Nature Conservancy
|
Peter White was not only one of Marquette's most prominent civic leaders, but he was an active force in building the city for over half a century. He arrived as a teenager and grew up with the city. One-mile-long Laughing Whitefish Lake is the site of Peter White's wilderness "camp."
Most of the camp's land has been donated to the Nature Conservancy. Five miles south of M-28, it's over 1,700 acres in all, including wetlands, cedar and alder swamp, and upland beech-maple and hemlock forest.
The cottage and outbuildings are still privately owned and in use, off-limits to the public.
Spring wildflowers are profuse. This is a wonderful place to observe migrating birds in season, occasional loons and eagles, and other wildlife. After all, this is where White's son-in-law, George Shiras III, took the photographs that made him a famous pioneering nature photographer.
The self-guided "George Shiras Discovery Trail" here is along the east bank of the river.
From the parking area, cross the river to reach the trails. A wooden box has interpretive brochures. The Discovery Trail starts just to the right of the Nature Conservancy sign.
From May through August, be prepared for bugs, with insect repellent and even a handy head net. Neighbors who enjoy the conservancy advise wearing good walking shoes, bringing water, and paying attention to the directional signs on the trail's second half. (—April, 2008)
From M-28, turn south on Deerton Road. Take it to its end, turn right at schoolhouse, then left at the township hall. You will be on Peter White Road. Past Whitefish Lodge, the road narrows. Take left fork. In ¾ mile look for orange gate post on the right. In another 1/4 mile look for a small pull-out on the left, by a large metal gate. (There is no sign.) Park, walk through gate, and cross the river to the trails. Not handicap-accessible.
Return to Deerton
|
|
