This Natural Education Reserve is dedicated in perpetuity by the people of the Grand Traverse Area for nature study and quiet recreation.
Dedicated July 4, 1976
"Our Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve was officially dedicated on our Nation's 200th birthday. Flags flew, the high school band played and speeches were given. A dedication plaque was imbedded in an eight- ton natural rock and the Chairman of the County Commission cut the vine-covered ribbon to officially open the ceremony. After the ceremony, many of the two hundred people in attendance took a relaxed stroll on the nature trail system."
A lot of water has gone over the dam since January 6th 1976, when this report first appeared in the Record Eagle. During the past 20 years, The Nature Reserve has seen its ups and downs, but is now enjoying a rebirth due to a concerted effort on the parts of the Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation Commission and the Grand Traverse Conservation District's Cooperative Parkland Project.
Nearly every natural cover type in the state is found in the Nature Reserve located along the Boardman River, only 3 miles from downtown Traverse City. Within the 420-acre tract are a bog, marsh, true swamp, level terrain, upland forest, pine forest, creek, river, and an active beaver pond. The cover types of the area provide excellent habitat for beaver, otter, mink, fox, deer, and many other animals and birds.
The Boardman River is the central feature of the Nature Reserve, running for approximately two miles through the area. In contrast to the impounded waters in the north section of the Reserve, the river in the south is free flowing and in its natural condition. It is here that the river is most dramatic as it falls in a series of rapids in part of its course through this part of the Reserve. Remnants of the old Keystone Dam that went out a number of years ago are still visible. The old berm wall and spillway are now being reclaimed by the forest ,as the river banks have reverted to their natural and original flora.
There is evidence that a finger of a glacier terminated on the property offering an excellent opportunity to teach and learn of the earth's history as found in the Boardman River Valley.
While the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve was set aside as a "natural environmental classroom for area youth", all visitors are welcome to enjoy the nearly 7 miles of improved trails that wind along the Boardman River and includes over 1200 feet of boardwalks, bridges, canoe portage sites, boat launch and picnic area for such activities as hiking, photography, canoeing, nature study, bird watching, and other forms of quiet recreation.