Be a Good Steward
Leave no trace! Please help us protect the plants, animals and the habitats that sustain them by staying on the trail and carrying out your trash.
We also ask that you:
- Respect neighboring private property and posted boundaries.
- Respect others’ privacy; do not record individuals without their permission when it may cause discomfort or disruption.
- Treat other visitors with kindness and respect to help maintain a welcoming space for everyone.
Prohibited activities:
- Littering or dumping
- Motorized vehicles
- Horseback riding
- Metal detecting
- Unleashed pets
- Fires, fireworks or explosives
- Camping or overnight parking
- Bicycle use (except at Palmer Woods)
- Drone use, unless prior permission has been granted by the Conservancy
- The removal, disturbance, or destruction of land, water, soil, rock, minerals, artifacts, plants, animals, or other natural features without prior written permission from the Conservancy
- Activities producing noise or vibration that unreasonably interfere with others’ enjoyment or public well-being
Practice Minimum-Impact Techniques
Leave It As You Find It: Picking flowers, collecting rocks or taking cultural items means others cannot enjoy them later. Brushing off boots before and after entering minimizes the spread of invasive species. The less impact we each make, the longer we will enjoy what we have!
Stick to Trails: Stay on the marked trail to protect wildlife and their homes. Short-cuts cause erosion. Be ready to get muddy and step right through puddles. Boots dry overnight; plants take years to recover. Expect to meet other visitors and share the path in passing.
Manage Your Dog: Keeping your dog on a leash and in control keeps people, other dogs, and wildlife safe. Pack a pick-up bag and always remove your dog’s waste. Our Docents prefer that you leave dogs at home during Docent-led hikes, but feel free to bring them any other time on their leash.
Trash Your Trash: Please carry out all trash, both yours and others. Even “biodegradable” materials like apple cores and food scraps can take years to break down and harm native wildlife.
Protect Private Property: Respect “no trespassing” signs. If property boundaries are unclear, do not enter the area.
Keep Wildlife Wild: Natural areas are home to wildlife. As a visitor, please respect wildlife by observing them from a distance. Do not feed them.
Hunting
Limited hunting is allowed on select Conservancy-owned Natural Areas, primarily in the fall. Please use caution when hiking during hunting season and wear orange. View hunting information here.
Winter Considerations
For cross-country skiers and fat bikers—trails are groomed at Palmer Woods Forest Reserve on a regular basis. View the latest grooming updates here.
While visiting our natural areas, please use the designated parking areas at each site, so that snow removal can be accomplished safely and efficiently. Please also note that Michigan law prohibits parking on roadways, as well as public travel on seasonal roads between November and April.
For those visiting Palmer Woods Forest Reserve, we ask that you park in the established lots on Wheeler Road—located north and south of the Wheeler Road/Darwin Road intersection—where you’ll be able to access the Conservancy’s designated trailheads.
Thank you for helping us keep our preserves safe and accessible for everyone. We appreciate your cooperation and your care for these natural spaces!
