Hiking at Jens Jensen Nature Preserve and Pepperidge Dunes Nature Sanctuary in Sawyer, Michigan

Hiking at Jens Jensen Nature Preserve and Pepperidge Dunes Nature Sanctuary in Sawyer, Michigan

We seized upon a recent sunny summer weekend to head up to Michigan. Always looking for new spots to hike, I keyed in on the Jens Jensen Nature Preserve in Sawyer. Adjacent to the Jens Jensen Nature Preserve is the Pepperidge Dunes Nature Sanctuary. The combined 45-acres of the preserves containing woodlands and wetlands present a lovely oasis for nature lovers.

The duo of preserves are a bit away from the hustle and bustle of nearby New Buffalo. We benefitted from the preserves' seclusion and were alone on the trails. Such a beautiful hike full of nature discoveries!

Sun danced through leaves creating a kaleidoscope of greens.

Jens Jensen Nature Preserve is named after the famed Danish American landscape architect Jens Jensen. Jensen prioritized placing native plants in his landscapes and was a prominent advocate for protecting our wild spaces. The preserves are part of a vital corridor for migratory birds. so it is quite fitting that Jens Jensen is represented. I have always appreciated Jensen's vision in supporting our native flora and fauna.

Several kiosks within the preserves provide more details about the ecosystems. We saw and heard a plethora of birds. A lovely deer hopped from near the trail. We paused to observe a little chipmunk resting on a fallen tree. Nature experiences surrounded us and we had the preserves to ourselves!

Soft sand covered trails through dense woodlands at Jens Jensen Nature Preserve and
 Pepperidge Dunes Nature Sanctuary beckon for adventure.

The tree canopy was full, so we hiked under shades of green while sunlight danced through. Soft sand lined the trails. Moss and ferns carpeted swathes of the forest floor. Spectacular!

Interesting fact about Pepperidge Dunes: Pepperidge Dunes displays a forest community populated with black gum/tupelo trees due to its acidic, sandy, well-drained soils.

A moss with sporophytes blankets the foot of a tree.

Jens Jensen Nature Preserve is maintained by Chikaming Open Lands with the mission of conserving the rural character of southwest Berrien County. The preserve was purchased through funding donated by over 160 community members and Chikaming Open Lands. Pepperidge Dunes Nature Sanctuary is maintained by the Michigan Nature Association with the mission of preserving the endangered ecosystems, flora and fauna of Michigan. 

Spending time pausing in the forest.

The pair of sublime preserves are not far off of Red Arrow Highway. The road to the preserves is easily missed. It is just north of the Sawyer Highlands Church, so look for that. While the preserves did not have a ton of trails, we did spend about a half an hour totally wrapped up in nature. The preserves provide a wonderful haven for a lovely hike with pauses to admire wild life. We truly relished the stunning nature we discovered at Jens Jensen Nature Preserve and Pepperidge Dunes Nature Sanctuary.