Tibbits Nature Sanctuary

The Hilton and Marjorie Tibbits Nature Sanctuary was dedicated in 2013 with 22 acres having been donated to the Lapeer Land Conservancy in 1998, and 42 more acres donated in 2007 by the Tibbits family. Leo and Genevieve Dorr have since added 2 acres, and all 66 acres have been transferred to Six Rivers Land Conservancy.

The Sanctuary has a half mile walking trail that is open to the public for nature appreciation and enjoyment from dawn to dusk every day. The mowed trail goes from the parking area around mature spruce forests to a large wetland, then past a younger mix of conifer and hardwood trees to a small lake and back up to the parking area.  Both the wetland and lake that were once threatened by erosion and farm chemical runoff are now protected by warm and cool season grasses planted on former cropland. These grasses provide cover for wildlife and filter the rain water that flows into the Flint River watershed.

The wetland and lake are now home a multitude of water birds, including Canada geese, ducks, herons, egrets and Trumpeter swans.  An initial pair of swans were given to the Sanctuary in 2005 as part of a DNR program to restore the Michigan population of Trumpeters that were lost due to hunting and habitat destruction over 100 years ago.  The cygnets raised by nesting Trumpeters at the Sanctuary continue to populate other wetlands in the Thumb part of the State and many still gather at the Tibbits Sanctuary to migrate together.

Michigan ground and song birds as well as deer and many other indigenous mammals can often be seen from the walking trail or from viewing benches along it.  Because it is a sanctuary, we do not allow hunting, fishing, dogs, off road vehicles or any other activities that might disrupt the peacefulness of the place. 

Tibbits Nature Sanctuary is located on 4089 Columbiaville Road, Columbiaville, MI  48421.