Reichert Nature Preserve
Rolling woods, scenic ponds, rare plants, and trails that crisscross the landscape.
400 Tiplady Road, Pinckney, MI 48169
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Note: To honor our agreement with the donors of this preserve, visitors are asked to submit a one-time request to visit. You’ll receive an email with entry details upon submission.
Get to Know Reichert Preserve
Thousands of years ago, glaciers in southeast Michigan shaped the land and soils at Reichert Nature Preserve. The effects are still visible today in the wet prairie, swamp, and oak forest that thrive in these conditions, and in the moraine at the center of the property.
Beginning in 1964 and continuing over many years, Dr. Rudy Reichert purchased the land to provide a sanctuary for his family. In 2012, Dr. Reichert donated it to Legacy Land Conservancy in honor of his wife, Sue Reichert. In the gift agreement, he required visitors to request written permission for access, only to help preserve the land for everyone’s enjoyment.
In 2017, Legacy acquired an adjoining 16 acres known as the Lapham Family Addition. Separated by Portage River, this part of the preserve is only accessible from Toma Road. There is limited parking along the road.
This 108-acre preserve lies in both Washtenaw and Livingston Counties and features rolling wooded terrain, kettle lakes, and frontage along Little Portage Lake and Portage River.
Trail Map
PLAN AHEAD: To honor our agreement with the donors of this preserve, visitors are asked to submit a one-time request to visit. You’ll receive an email with entry details upon submission.
Take a screenshot or download a printable PDF of the map before your hike.
RECREATION AREA
This mowed area is ideal for picnics, Frisbee, or relaxing near the water. Enjoy the view from one of the picnic tables.
BOARDWALK EXPLORATION
Extending east from Devil’s Lake, a boardwalk provides access to the extensive tamarack swamp. Look for yellow lady’s slipper and swamp milkweed. This trail stops at the caretakers’ home; please respect their privacy.
BEAVERING AWAY
Heading south along the central trail, observe signs of beaver activity. Their characteristic gnaw-marks leave the fallen trees in this area looking like giant sharpened pencils. Be mindful of the troughs created where the beavers drag logs into the water.
RARE PLANTS
The preserve is home to some remarkable plants we don’t often see. Look for pale vetchling on the forested ridge, sweet-scented waterlily in the ponds, and Michigan lily in the open grassy areas.
Taking Care
Enjoy your time at the Preserve, but please be mindful of the plant, animal, and natural communities thriving in and around the land we have protected. The Preserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk.
Contact us if you are interested in visiting with groups of 12 or more, need to report an issue, or have a question.
What Can You Do at Reichert Preserve?
- Hike
- Bird Watch
- Take Photos
- Study Nature
- Forage*
- Walk Pets on Leash
*Foraging of common species of mushroom, fruits, berries, and nuts is allowed. Collecting protected species and commercially harvesting any species is not allowed. Learn more.
Help Protect the Preserve
- No Bicycles
- No Littering, No Dumping
- No Smoking, Fires, or Fireworks
- Do Not Go Off the Trail
- No Camping
- No Motorized or Off-Road Vehicles (Required mobility devices are allowed.)
- No Construction of Forts, Benches, and Structures
- No Pets Off Leash (Bag and remove all waste.)
- Do Not Remove Native Plants, Animals, Rocks or Fallen Wood
- No Hunting, Trapping, or Firearm Use
- No Placement of Memorials or Items from Outside the Preserve