The trails at Trillium Woodlands Preserve, a Chikaming Open Lands (COL) property, connect with the trails at Trillium Ravine Plant Preserve, the adjacent property owned and managed by Michigan Nature Association. These intertwined trails boast extraordinary beauty throughout the year. Join the Harbor Country Hikers as they hike the mature, mixed deciduous forest set along a deep glacial ravine, complete with beautiful spring ephemeral flowers. COL Stewards Nancy Nesyto-Freske and Paul Freske will lead us, with some words from COL volunteer Kate Gadacz.

This 40-acre forested property boasts a unique, diverse plant community and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom each spring, especially Great White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum), one of the three trillium species that inspired the Preserve’s name. The trails at Trillium Woodlands Preserve connect with the trail system at Trillium Ravine Plant Preserve, the adjacent property owned and managed by Michigan Nature Association. Together these properties total approximately 55 acres of contiguous protected land.

• Theme: Trillium Sanctuaries

• Venue: Trillium Woodlands Preserve and Trillium Ravine Plant Preserve

• When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 @ 1:00 ET

• Estimated Presentation Time: 12 minutes

• Hike Leaders: Nancy Nesyto-Freske, Paul Freske, COL Stewards and Co-Leader Pat Fisher, President HCH

• Estimated Time: 2.25 hours

• Hiking Distance: 1.8 miles

• Physical Difficulty: Moderate, gradual slopes

• Location: Riverside Rd, Niles, MI 49120

• Parking GPS: 41.848359, -86.308498 (DD)

Directions: From Walton Rd (just east of US-31), turn south onto E Geyer Road which changes into Riverside Drive. After nearly one mile, start watching for the preserve sign on the right. We will gather near the parking lot.