The Roach Point peninsula in Lake Munuscong

MNA must raise $32,500 to cover the acquisition and endowment costs

The Last of its Kind
In Chippewa County where Lake Huron and Lake Superior meet is the body of water called Lake Munuscong. One of the peninsulas that protrude from this lake is the MNA’s Roach Point Nature Sanctuary. It is among the highest-ranked coastal wetlands in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula. After the recent addition of 30 acres, the sanctuary now protects more than 500 acres of land, among the largest of MNA sanctuaries.

It is the only peninsula jutting into Lake Munuscong that is undeveloped with no roads or houses. The land had never been explored in recent history until 1982, when the MNA was offered a donation from Mason C. Shafer. The sanctuary has a variety of habitats and wildlife containing 92 species of plants, 18 fern species, and rarely-seen animals such as the grey wolf and the fisher. The land is also home to otters, beavers, and bears. The yellow rail has been seen flying from the marshes. Large white birch trees up to 70-80 years old can be found here, as well as a maple-hemlock forest and a dense population of cedars and balsams.

The 30-acre addition is composed of both northern coniferous forest and some of the best coastal wetland in Michigan. This is an excellent opportunity for the MNA to preserve an area with amazing spawning ground for native fish species where the wetland vetetation and debris provides shelter and protection for the young fish as they develop. Protecting the Great Lake’s ecosystem as well as native aquatic species is a large part of our mission to preserve Michigan’s highest-quality natural areas. We are currently raising funds to pay for and permanently protect this new addition!

How You Can Help
How many opportunities do you get to leave your mark on such a special place? Consider this:

• Roach Point is an incredible asset to the local residents, as well as the people who come from many miles away to visit. Michigan’s natural areas are disappearing and without direct involvement from private citizens and organizations, our unique natural areas will be lost forever. MNA focuses on preserving only the highest quality natural areas and in this way, we help preserve Michigan’s natural diversity, which results in healthier ecosystems throughout the state, even in areas not protected by MNA.

• Your contribution will have a lasting impact. MNA holds title to our land in perpetuity, thereby guaranteeing that this special place will be there for people to enjoy now and forever.

Click here to contribute today.  Thank you for your support!