Sutherland Nature Sanctuary

Doris Sutherland bought this property in the 1960's and had trees planted to help nature begin to heal itself after a century of logging and farming. It was formally dedicated as a Nature Sanctuary on Earth Day 1999.   The mission of the Sanctuary is to provide education, enjoyment, and outdoor nature experience for the public.  For 16 years, the 75 acres was managed by the Lapeer Land Conservancy as the Sutherland Nature Sanctuary the habitats include: mature oak, hickory, and beech forest (Beech trees are unusual in being this far south in the state), a wet forest with Red and Silver Maples, maturing Spruce, Red and White Pine tracts, cattail marsh, sedge, dogwood, and willow wetland, 2 ponds, a small stream and prairie. With over two miles of walking trails school groups, photographers, hikers, and birders frequently visit the sanctuary. A pavilion includes picnic tables and swing, an outdoor handicap accessible restroom, viewing platforms and benches along the trails provide school field trips, family and group outings with hiking, bird watching, tree identification and springtime frog walks.

The Sutherland Nature Sanctuary is open dawn to dusk with a pavilion and picnic tables available for everyone's  enjoyment. Bird watching, tree identification and frog walks are popular and visiting the wetlands and meadow restoration projects. Because it is a sanctuary, we do not allow hunting, fishing off road vehicles or any other activities that might disrupt the peacefulness of the  place. Handicap accessible trails and restroom are available.

Sutherland Nature Sanctuary is located on 3960 Diehl Road, Metamora, MI 48455