Three Springs Nature Preserve

Big. That’s the best way to describe the Harold C. Wilson Three Springs Nature Preserve. Big in size — at 555 acres, one of the largest purchases in DCLT history. Big in ecological importance — a pivotal parcel in a wildlife corridor described as one of the premier natural landscapes of the western Great Lakes. And big in historical significance, with a long association with the area’s cultural past. All of it located just two miles outside Sister Bay.

The springs and creek that meander through the property give the preserve its name — but more importantly, these wetlands provide specialized habitat for rare, threatened, and endangered species including the Hine’s emerald dragonfly, dwarf lake iris, and showy lady’s slipper. Old stone fences and historic farm buildings remain on the land, now serving as critical bat habitat.

Three Springs is a pivotal link in a grand landscape encompassing 17,000 acres of relatively wild, unfragmented land stretching from this preserve south to the Ridges Sanctuary and Toft Point State Natural Area in Baileys Harbor — one of the most significant wildlife corridors in the region.

Trails

A 1.9-mile loop explores the preserve on fairly level terrain, passing near the namesake springs and wetlands. A scenic lookout provides views over the spring complex and surrounding landscape.

Wildlife

The wetlands and forest support an exceptional diversity of plant and animal life. Watch for sandhill cranes, great blue herons, and diving ducks in and around the springs. The Hine’s emerald dragonfly — one of North America’s rarest dragonflies — depends on the cold, spring-fed wetlands found here. Showy lady’s slippers bloom in early summer in the forest understory.