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A tip-of-thepeninsula jewel, Kehl Lake Natural Area combines the best of Leelanau, with everything from shoreline to towering mixed forest to important wetland habitat. Near the lakeshore, a majestic white pine and red maple forest covers the sandy ridge. Beyond, the land gently slopes to wetter areas dominated first by an old-growth pine-hemlock forest, followed by birch, poplar and cedar marsh. These wetlands provide food and cover for wildlife, particularly birds, and contribute to the lake’s pristine water quality. Smallmouth bass and northern pike thrive in the lake. Along the property’s 1,800 feet of undeveloped lakeshore, you might see herons, kingfishers, and loons; over 100 species of birds have been spotted here. Before you slip into the woods, note the broad, stunted white pines dotting the field. These trees are victims of the white pine weevil. A Landscape in Flux A closer look around the open field reveals the Kehl family’s farming footprint: juniper, blueberries, honeysuckle strawberries, and remnants of a pear orchard. The trail leads into virgin forest, historically unaltered by human activity. The trees are not giants, though. Fluctuating water conditions never allowed any one species to dominate the landscape long term. Nonetheless, some of the eastern white pines you see from the trail are thought to be over 200 years old. White pine adapt to a variety of growing conditions and soil types, which is why the species has existed since the days of the dinosaurs. Don’t Miss the Viewing Platform! At the far end of the trail loop is a viewing platform that keeps you dry and suspended over a dynamic wetland ecosystem. You may see waterfowl during the right seasons. Water levels fluctuate by the season. Native Roots Thousands of years ago, Kehl Lake’s trail was 20 feet underneath the great Lake Nipissing. The waters receded to form Kehl Lake. Ojibway called it “Midassaigan,” meaning “Legging Lake,” perhaps because the lake used to be shaped like an Indian leg covering. Or perhaps deer skins used to make such leggings were soaked in Kehl’s calm waters. Marker Tree a Clue to the Past Native Americans also buried their dead here and gathered medicinal herbs from the wetlands. An ancient campsite sits right off the trail. Notice the “Marker Tree” off to the right of the trail near the lakeshore (see photo above). When this white pine was a sapling, it was manipulated to grow with its distinctive kink, creating a striking landmark. Since 1990, thanks to hundreds of donors who care about this area, the Kehl Lake Natural Area has grown from 100 to 180 acres, adding protection to this fragile portion of the tip of our peninsula. Kehl Lake Natural Area Access: 180 Acres – Open to the Public About the Trail: 2 loops totaling 2 miles, 1.5 hours to cover both, easy hiking Spring Specialties: wildflowers, birding Visit on your own or call for a schedule of guided hikes: 256-9665. No boat access from KLNA, public access is on north side of lake at end of Kehl Road. Motorless boats only, please! Getting there: Take M-201 1.5 miles north of Northport. After 2.5 miles, go left on Snyder Road. Snyder Road “T”s at Sugar Bush Road. Go right on Sugarbush Road. Sugar Bush Road takes a sharp left turn to the North and becomes Kehl Rd. Stay on Kehl. .2 mi after you pass Ottis Road on your right, see the Conservancy sign for Kehl Lake Natural Area and parking area on left. --- Docent Ann McInnis has created small self-guided brochures and checklists that you can download before your hike that will make your visit more interesting when you are hiking without a docent (or maybe even if you are!): Download a Kehl Lake Natural Area Self-Guided Tour and Checklist (pdf) Tell us about your visit – your thoughts, observations, things you think we ought to know! Email: cfaught@theconservancy.com |  | |||||
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