In the 1960s, Doris Sutherland purchased this land with a vision for healing the landscape. After more than a century of logging and farming, she began restoring the property by planting trees and allowing nature to reclaim the landscape. Her efforts laid the foundation for what would become Sutherland Nature Sanctuary, formally dedicated and managed by Lapeer Land Conservancy on Earth Day in 1999.  For the next 16 years, the 75-acre property was carefully managed by Lapeer Land Conservancy. In 2019, following its organizational consolidation with the Lapeer Land Conservancy, the property was transferred to Six Rivers Land Conservancy. Today, Sutherland Nature Sanctuary has grown to 115 acres of protected natural lands. Visitors can explore a diverse landscape that includes mature oak, hickory, and beech forests; pine tracts; southern wet meadow; restored wildflower meadow; two ponds; and a winding stream that runs across the property. More than two miles of scenic walking trails make the Sanctuary a popular destination for hiking, bird watching, nature photography, and outdoor learning. The Sanctuary welcomes school field trips, families, and group outings, offering hands-on experiences like tree identification, wetland exploration, meadow restoration observation, and springtime frog walks. Six Rivers staff frequently hosts outreach events, such as volunteer workdays and guided hikes. The sanctuary boasts impressive spring wildflower ephemerals including trillium, trout lily, and bloodroot, which are highlighted during our popular Birds and Blooms hike each spring.

Ongoing conservation work continues to protect and enhance the sanctuary’s natural features. In 2023, Six Rivers Land Conservancy received funding from Lapeer County Community Foundation and the Americana Foundation and with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers we were able to replace several bridges, a boardwalk, and provide upgrades to the pavilion!  In 2025, the pavilion at Sutherland Nature Sanctuary was formally dedicated in honor of our long standing volunteer, Jim Vanderpool. Through years of tireless service, Jim has played a huge role in maintaining the character, beauty, and welcoming spirit of the Sutherland Nature Sanctuary. His dedication and stewardship have left a lasting impact on both the land and all who visit it. In 2026, Six Rivers received a Two for the Trails grant from Athletic Brewing Company to remove woody shrubs from the southern wet meadow ecosystem (seen from the boardwalk). This will open up the ecosystem and allow the rare wetland plants that grow there—including yellow lady’s slippers, bottle gentian, and turtlehead—to thrive.  Open daily from dawn to dusk, the Sanctuary provides a peaceful setting for visitors of all ages. To preserve the sanctuary’s peaceful character and protect wildlife, activities such as hunting, fishing, off-road vehicle use, or any disruptive behavior are not permitted.

Visitor amenities include a pavilion with picnic tables and swings, an outdoor handicap-accessible restroom, interpretive signage and viewing platforms and benches located throughout the trail system.

Dogs are welcome on the trails.