Myron Perlman Nature Preserve
Access: Open to the public from dawn to dusk
Acreage: 45 acres
Trails: 1 mile of natural surface trails
Natural Features: Farmland, forested wetland
Address: 13804 Wolkins Rd., Buchanan, MI
Recreational Activities:
Directions:
Myron Perlman Nature Preserve is located on Wolkins Road a few miles northwest of the City of Buchanan. From downtown Buchanan, travel north on Main St. for about 3 miles, then take a left onto Miller Rd. Travel west on Miller Rd. for one mile, then turn right onto Wolkins Rd. (do not be deterred by the dead-end sign) and travel about half a mile. The entrance is located on the left-hand side of Wolkins Rd.
Parking: A large gravel parking area is located at the entrance on Wolkins Rd.
Natural Features:
This 45-acre property includes farm fields, wetlands, and hiking trails through a sprawling beech-maple forest. Other notable features include an abundance of spring wildflowers, an on-site cabin (no public entry), and impressive plant biodiversity. Hiking trails loop through the forested segment of the property. To access them, walk up the old farm lane off the parking lot.
History:
The property was donated to COL in full in December 2022 by the landowners, Julie Dorfman, Jerry Herst and Anne Krantz, and was named in honor of Krantz's late husband. Working with the donors, COL and Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy partnered to protect the property. SWMLC holds a conservation easement on the land, while COL owns and manages the new nature preserve.
Dorfman, Herst, and Krantz commented, “We hope this forest will inspire others as it has inspired us and so many dear ones. We want people to love and protect this precious gem. We can all share in the satisfaction of doing something positive to encourage biodiversity and protect life on our planet.”
