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Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is a 30-acre nature preserve located along the banks of Lake Michigan near the city of Harbor Springs, open to the public daily from dawn to dusk between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The preserve was established in 1981 following the donation of lands by Elizabeth Kennedy to the Little Traverse Conservancy. A mile and a half of visitor trails are offered, including the half-mile Balsam Trail and the Beach Trail, which leads to the preserve's Kennedy Nature Center. Bird watching is a popular activity at the Dune Observation Deck, including opportunities to spot nesting gulls, warblers, and chickadees. Naturalist-led programming is offered throughout the season, including nature crafting classes and themed group hikes.
6696 Lower Shore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI 49740, Phone: 231-526-6401
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