Hamilton Township Coastal Plain Marsh

This is one of three MNA sanctuaries that protect a coastal plain marsh, a wetland plant community home to many species usually found on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.  More than 40 such species – known as disjuncts because they’re separated from their original home ground – grow in Michigan’s coastal plains. 

Among the disjuncts found at Hamilton Township Coastal Marsh are bald-rush, tall beak-rush, tooth-cup, false pimpernel, seed box, many-fruited loosestrife and meadow beauty.  Most exciting of all, the warty panic grass, thought to be extinct in Michigan, was found here in 1988 when drought conditions exposed the marsh bottom. 

This sanctuary also has a beautiful wooded upland area near the coastal plain with a pleasant walking trail available year-round. In addition, this upland forest creates a perfect viewing spot of the coastal plain when spring waters flood the lower portions of the sanctuary. The different habitats in the Hamilton Township Coastal Plain Marsh Nature Sanctuary ensure that you will see wildflowers there from April through October. There are frequent field trips to this gorgeous sanctuary, often with leaders who will show you the unique flora of the coastal marsh.