Description

3001 16th Ave, Shelby, MI 49455

The Otto Nature Preserve is an 80-acre parcel of land in Benona Township owned and managed by Oceana Conservation District. The property was donated to the district in 2019 and features an old-growth northern mesic hardwood forest. Two looped trails and interpretive signage introduce visitors to the solace and natural features of the forest. The District regularly holds educational events and guided hikes at the nature preserve including birding field trips, snowshoe hikes, owl prowls, forestry discussions, and more. See our Events Calendar for details.

Visitors

Visitors are welcome at the Otto Nature Preserve from dawn to dusk to hike the trails and enjoy the natural surroundings. A gravel parking lot is accessible from Scenic Drive; please stay off Apache Drive. The nature preserve is open for recreational, educational and scientific use only. We ask that you please stay on the trail to protect the natural habitat.

• No hunting

• No motorized vehicles

• No gathering firewood

• No camping or fires

• All dogs must be kept on a leash

Directions from US-31: Take exit #144 and travel west on Shelby Road until it dead ends at 16th Ave, also known as Scenic Drive. Turn left on 16th Ave, heading south and the preserve is about 1/4 mile down on the west side of the road, just north of Apache Drive.

History

In 2019, Richard and Lorayne Otto donated a generous land gift to the Oceana Conservation District. The 80-acre parcel of land in Benona Township is the first land donation accepted by the district. This land donation opens new opportunities and paves the way for future donations by others who want to leave their legacy. The Ottos have a long history in Michigan and Oceana County. Their love of Lake Michigan and the unspoiled nature of Oceana County, including the many kinds of fruit, led them to purchase a cottage in Deerwood subdivision in 1974. Then in 1987, they purchased the 80-acre parcel. Working with Larry Byl, a realtor with Wickstra Realty in Shelby, the Ottos were directed to Tammy Carey, chief executive officer of the Community Foundation for Oceana County. The Oceana Foundation Board decided that holding the property in perpetuity didn’t align with its mission to serve the community, leading the Ottos to consider donating the land to the Oceana Conservation District. Suzie Knoll, executive director of the conservation district, drafted a contract from samples of other land conservancies. The conservation district is grateful to the Ottos and happy to make their legacy a reality. A plaque is being prepared to present to the Ottos with the Conservation Legacy Award in the near future. The district will also place signage on the property acknowledging the Otto’s generosity.

The following restrictions were agreed upon and included in the deed to the property:

• The district will protect the property, maintain its ecological health and refrain from developing the property, including any construction or placement of any permanent building or structure.

• The use of the property will be restricted to conservation and educational purposes, including but not limited to nonmotorized outdoor recreation, educational programs, research and forest management.

Donate

Oceana Conservation District is seeking donations to assist with the installation of signage, parking, and trail maintenance.