The Hilton and Marjorie Tibbits Nature Sanctuary has grown through decades of generosity, stewardship, and conservation-minded vision. Its preservation began in 1998, when the Tibbits family donated 22 acres to the Great Lakes Bioregional Land Conservancy (later the Lapeer Land Conservancy). The land was named in honor of Hilton and Marjorie Tibbits by their son, Clark Tibbits. The Tibbits family later donated an additional 42 acres in 2007 and 58 acres in 2020, expanding the sanctuary substantially. Leo and Genevieve Dorr subsequently added 2 more acres, bringing the total acreage of Tibbits Nature Sanctuary to over 120 acres. The sanctuary was formally dedicated in 2013, and all acreage was transferred to Six Rivers Land Conservancy following its organizational consolidation with the Lapeer Land Conservancy in 2019.

The Sanctuary offers a half-mile walking trail open to the public daily from dawn to dusk for nature appreciation and enjoyment. The mowed trail begins at the parking area, winds through mature spruce forest to a large wetland, continues to a small lake, and then loops back 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 rain water flowing into the Flint River watershed.

The wetland and lake are now home to 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. In addition to waterfowl, Michigan ground and song birds, deer and many other native mammals can often be seen from the trail and viewing benches.

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 to treat and remove woody invasive species throughout the preserve helping increase biodiversity and prevent native plants from being crowded out by invasive shrubs. In addition to funded efforts, we frequently host volunteer-led woody invasive species removal workdays, providing community members with hands-on opportunities to support habitat restoration and long-term stewardship of the land.

To preserve the sanctuary’s peaceful character and protect wildlife, hunting, fishing, dogs, off-road vehicles, and other disruptive activities are not permitted. There are no restrooms available at this location. The trail is not accessible for handicap use.

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