A most dramatic achievement of the Michigan Nature Association is the assembling of the Timberland Swamp Nature Sanctuary. It is part of an 800-acre backwoods wilderness area that still exists just a few minutes drive from the congestion of Pontiac and the Detroit metropolitan area.

Outstanding features include a magnificent spring wildflower display, virgin hardwood trees, rare flowering plants and shrubs, a rich summer resident bird population, and cathedral-like forest groves filled with peace and tranquility, remote from the abrasion of modern urban living.

Wildflowers of many species are scattered throughout the sanctuary against a background of spring beauties and large white trillium around the end of April. This dazzling spectacle lasts until the end of May when emerging leaves begin to shade the forest floor with a mantle of green.

Major habitats include a low, wet swamp forest of elm, red maple, silver maple, black ash, white ash, basswood, and yellow birch. Situated a few feet higher than the surrounding wetland are many islands of beech-maple woods, with red oak, swamp white oak, wild black cherry, several kinds of hickory, and a marvelous understory of flowers, ferns, and shrubs, including leather wood. Only a scattering of virgin red oak, sugar maple, and beech remains. A prized tuliptree growing straight as an arrow, without a branch in the first 80 feet, measures 65" in girth.

Many of nature's creatures dwell in this ethereal atmosphere. The feeling of isolation from the outer world is heightened by the sound of a faint breeze moving the tops of the trees, the songs of forest-loving birds, muted by distance, and the occasional glimpse of a wary animal.

The ruffed grouse, great horned owl, hairy woodpecker, and rare red-bellied woodpecker live here all year round. Other birds return in spring to seek their ancestral territory. Throughout May, June, and into July, the deep woods are enlivened by calls of Acadian flycatcher, scarlet tanager, red-eyed vireo, oven bird, swamp thrush or veery, northern water-thrush, and cerulean warbler. In bushy edges and heavily cut-over areas, most of the 13 species of warblers are found, including the Brewster's warbler, a rare hybrid, that nests in the Timberland.

Hikes for Fall season colors are thrilling to the hiker and naturalist; the Timberland is a wonderland of beauty in October. Hiking is equally enjoyable after the leaves fall and the lay of the land can be seen to the best advantage. This time of year gives one something special to search for; in later October the rare putty root (Adam and Eve) orchid sends up its curious leaves, which stay evergreen throughout the winter. It is one of five species of native orchids found here.

There are no roads into or within the Timberland, and there are many secluded sections visited by few people. Getting lost is a real possibility here and can be serious. One could wander for hours or all night and still not find their way out. Many local residents have gotten lost in the swamp, so, unless you are an experienced explorer with compass and map, please do not leave the marked trail.