Friends and family of Jeff Lamont came together to preserve this land in his memory. Jeff, whose family owns a cottage nearby, died of cancer just after his 21st birthday. He adored Leelanau, and so coming together to create the preserve helped those who loved Jeff to remember and to heal. This forested wetland at the tip of the peninsula features a magical trail through maple, hemlock and beech, dotted with pink lady slippers and other wildflowers come spring. A dense wetland thicket with ferns and 6-foot-tall cattails provides important wildlife habitat. Canopy birds such as the scarlet tanager sing from the treetops. The preserve is part of a crucial wildlife corridor.
Trail
Follow the short (1/5 mile) trail through a shady tunnel of trees, lined with moss and wildflowers, and discover this magical preserve that honors Jeff’s memory, and his community’s deep love for Leelanau County and the natural world.
Features
• Tunnel of maple, hemlock & beech trees
• Ferns covering the forest floor
• Spring wildflowers: Pink Lady’s Slipper
• Peaceful bench for reflection
• Canopy Birds: Scarlet Tanager & Black-throated Blue Warbler
Plants
A Jeff Lamont FQA and Summary is available here. The FQA, or Floristic Quality Assessment, tells the story of the types and quality of flora at Jeff Lamont Natural Area.
