A southern Michigan wetland lover’s dream! Twenty acres of varying wetlands along East Pond Creek in Bruce Township, Macomb County, East Pond Creek Preserve is one of our most unique preserves. The two largest wetlands are divided by a raised upland berm- the southern half is an herbaceous marsh, populated by wetland plants such as marsh betony, marsh marigold, and monkeyflower. The northern half is a remnant cedar swamp- it feels a lot like being in a forest up north! Cedar swamps like the one at East Pond Creek Preserve are rarely found this far south and are wonderful oases of quiet and calm. Pockets of grassy wet meadows scattered throughout East Pond Creek Preserve host some of the most unusual plants, including rare and beautiful Grass of Parnassus and carnivorous sundew.

East Pond Creek Preserve is actually protected through two different mechanisms- it’s been owned by Six Rivers since 2012 and has a conservation easement on it with EGLE (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy). There is a two-track to access the preserve, although it is fairly wet for most of the year.

As with many wetland ecosystems, invasive phragmites has been a big problem on the preserve. Six Rivers has funded phragmites treatments in the marsh on the preserve since 2023. However, adjacent roadside phragmites may spread into the wetland again, and it is likely that fighting off the phragmites in the preserve will be an ongoing battle. The upland berm historically hosted large stands of woody invasive species, but Six Rivers staff and volunteers have cleared most of these.

East Pond Creek Preserve does not have a designated trail system or utilities.

This preserve is located North of 33 Mile Rd and West of Fisher Rd. in Bruce Twp.