Chikaming Open Lands (COL) and Harbor Country Hikers (HCH) are teaming up again this year for the next hike. Robert (Bob) Wagner, the COL Preserve Steward of Burns Prairie Preserve, will be leading us through restored planted prairies and wetlands and tell us about some of the history of Burns Prairie and steps COL takes to acquire and then restore properties back to their natural states. We will finish our evening with a Sunset Over the Prairie.

Burns Prairie Preserve may not be a remnant of the original prairies that bison roamed, but it is being actively restored to resemble such an ecosystem. The Preserve boasts native prairie grasses, such as big bluestem and Indian grass, as well as an abundance of summer-blooming wildflowers, including black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower, and butterfly weed. A seasonal wetland was also re-established in a drainage area that bisects the preserve. To see photos from our July 2024 hike, click here: 2024 Burns Prairie Preserve Hike

HCH has an All-Terrain Rollator which may be reserved for use on our hikes. Reservations are made on a first-come first-served basis by filling out the brief form at Request Rollator.

In the case of inclement weather, check back here or fb.com/harborcountryhikers the day of hike for cancellation/ rescheduling notice. Wear long pants (preferably tucked-in), a sun hat, sturdy shoes or boots and insect repellent and bring plenty of water. Depending on the weather, there may be some muddy areas.

• Theme: Sunset Over the Prairie

• Venue: Burns Prairie Preserve (COL)

• When: Saturday, July 26, 2025 @ 7PM EDT

• Estimated Presentation Time: 10-15 minutes

• Hike Leader: Robert Wagner, Steward of the Preserve

• Estimated Time: 2 hours

• Hiking Distance: 1.5 miles

• Physical Difficulty: Moderate, rolling slopes

• Location: Mount Zion Rd, Galien, MI 49113

• Directions: From US-12, head southeast on Mount Zion Road for about 0.75 mi, watch for the preserve sign on the left (Mount Zion Rd is about 1.4 miles east of Galien, MI). Plenty of roadside parking is available. We will be gathering near the trailhead.

• Parking GPS: 41.789769, -86.463548 (DD) — Google Map provided below.