In this week’s Trivia Tuesday, we asked about a local nature preserve known for peaceful trails and a rich natural landscape. The answer is Clear Springs Nature Preserve — a place where history, water, and woodland come together just east of US-31.
Located off Fruitvale Road, with its entrance at the intersection of Fruitvale and Henderson Roads, Clear Springs is one of those spots many people drive past without realizing just how much there is to explore inside.
A Preserve Shaped by Land and Water
Clear Springs Nature Preserve spans 118 acres, offering a surprisingly varied landscape. Small hills, open spaces, wooded areas, and spring-fed water features give the preserve its name — and its character.
The terrain creates scenic views along the trails, making each walk feel a little different depending on the path you choose and the season you visit.
🚶 Nearly Three Miles of Trails to Explore
Clear Springs features almost three miles of trails, making it a favorite spot for:
- Hiking
- Dog walking
- Trail jogging
- Casual nature walks
Trail options include:
- Rim Trail
- Pond Side Trail
- Crest Trail
- Spring Trail
Each pathway offers a slightly different perspective of the preserve, from water views to elevated overlooks.
Water, Winter, and Family-Friendly Fun
At the heart of the preserve is a small pond created decades ago, now used for:
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Catch-and-release fishing
- Quiet shoreline breaks
When winter arrives, Clear Springs doesn’t shut down — it changes. Snow reveals a peaceful side of the preserve, and a small sledding hill becomes a favorite spot for families.
Picnicking is welcome year-round, making this a flexible destination for all ages.
A Living Classroom for Nature Lovers
Clear Springs is especially popular with nature observers and photographers. Visitors are encouraged to bring a tree identification guide and look for:
- Red and white pine
- Red and white oak
- Black cherry
- Beech
- Silver and sugar maple
Over the years, forest transitions have encouraged the growth of native plants, including ferns, grasses, and wildflowers. One standout is witch hazel, which blooms through much of the year — attracting wildlife in winter and photographers in the fall.
A Landscape with Deep Roots
The history of Clear Springs runs deep. The land first appears in Montague Township records in 1848, noted as one of the area’s earliest trading posts.
In the late 1800s, the property was owned by U.S. Senator Thomas White Ferry, a notable historical figure once believed to have served as President of the United States for a single day.
Later, during the 1940s and 1950s, the land became home to North Star Fishery. The operation dammed the spring-fed Landford Creek, creating two man-made ponds. Visitors today can still spot remnants of the raceways once used to move and sort fish between them.
Saved for the Community
In the 1990s, the property was slated for a 90-home development. Instead, Montague Township stepped in to preserve it.
With the help of a $703,000 Michigan Natural Trust Fund grant, the township purchased the land for $950,000, covering the remaining cost through a loan.
Thanks to that effort, Clear Springs Nature Preserve exists today as a shared community space.
A Preserve Maintained by Care
Clear Springs is now maintained by Montague Township and dedicated volunteers, ensuring the land remains accessible, protected, and welcoming for future generations.
Whether you’re walking the trails, paddling the pond, identifying trees, or simply enjoying the quiet, Clear Springs Nature Preserve offers something increasingly rare: space to slow down.
Stay connected to what’s happening in our area by visiting CatchMark Community.
Powered by CatchMark Technologies — helping people, solving problems. Explore more on our website.
