Location Details

Located a few miles south of Dowagiac on Peavine Street, Riley Shurte Woods is named for the family that had owned the property since the early 1800s. The sanctuary contains second and third growth oak and hickory, but its real attraction is the quarter mile of Dowagiac Creek that flows through it. Your typical collection of red-winged black birds and ducks can be found along the wide and swift creek. Are you wearing waterproof boots? If not, be prepared to get your feet wet in this southern floodplain forest. The southern floodplain forest is one of Michigan’s most critical habitats. It provides food and shelter for many animal species and also benefits humans by providing areas for water overflow to prevent upland flooding.

Elementary school teacher and MNA member Patricia Riley treasured this property and her desire was to keep it in its natural state forever. So in 1999, she bequeathed it to the Michigan Nature Association.

For additional information, contact the MNA office at (866) 223-2231.