Carl T. Johnson Nature Preserve

The Carl T. Johnson Preserve, our third preserve, is 39 acres of prime wildlife habitat near the corner of Benson and 33 Roads across the road from the Mitchell Swamp, one of the best bear breeding nurseries in the state. The property was bequeathed to the Rotary Club of Cadillac by Carl T. Johnson, local conservationist and steward of the land. The Rotary Club has, in turn, given it to Cadillac Area Land Conservancy in order to open it to the public.

The trail system consists of 3 trails. Starting from the 33 Road parking area, the evergreen loop on the west side of the property is a mile in length. The hardwood loop on the west side is about ¾ miles. The prairie loop in the center measures about a quarter mile. There is also access on the north side, coming off Valley Forge Road. The land is virtually flat with no hills making it accessible to all who like to walk, bike, run, walk, cross-country ski, and snowshoe. The parking lot for the preserve has been completed with an entrance south of Benson Road on 33 Rd.