Sparkling Waters, Green Riverbanks, and Rare Wetlands Worth Preserving
The Shiawassee River has a watershed that stretches through parts of seven Michigan counties, beginning in northwest Oakland County and ending in the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in Saginaw County. The small yet significant Shiawassee Lake in Springfield Township marks the source, or headwaters, of the Shiawassee River. The river flows for 110 miles. It begins flowing west then turns its direction northward until it reaches a confluence with Tittabawassee River, creating the Saginaw River. The Saginaw River drains into the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron.
The name “Shiawassee” comes from Native American lore, but its translation has varying answers ranging from “down the river straight ahead”, “river that twists”, and “rolling” or “sparkling waters”. Originally, the river flowed west for its entire length and drained into Lake Michigan, until glaciers from the most recent ice age (~12,000 years ago) shifted the river to flow north towards Lake Huron.
Compared to counterparts like the Clinton, Huron, and Flint Rivers, the Shiawassee River is relatively neglected and lacks community awareness, education, recreation, scientific research, and watershed-focused organizations around it. On the other hand, the river’s seclusion and undeveloped surroundings may support undisturbed wild spaces along the river. The lush river corridor remains vulnerable to future development, however, without protection and support from the community. Friends of the Shiawassee and Keepers of the Shiawassee are two local nonprofits that advocate for the river as a valuable natural recreation resource.
In the headwaters region of the Shiawassee River, two miles downstream from Shiawassee Lake, Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy protects three connected properties: Davis Lake Overlook, Eaton Wet Meadow Preserve, and the Butterfly Preserve. Together these properties build ecological connectivity for the river and 70 acres of rare native biota.
The Eaton Wet Meadow Preserve was purchased outright by Blue Heron in 2003. That same year, Springfield Township obtained Davis Lake Overlook with a government grant and designated Blue Heron as the conservation easement holder. Davis Lake Overlook is part of the larger Shiawassee Basin Preserve and trail system managed by the township. Blue Heron was able to purchase the Butterfly Preserve in 2021 using generous campaign funds from corporate and private donors.
All three properties contain a portion of a contiguous prairie fen wetland. Prairie fens are a globally rare and vulnerable ecosystem, which has dramatically dwindled in the state of Michigan. This particular fen is one of only a handful left in the state. There are many various native Michigan wetlands and each type has its own special value; What makes a prairie fen wetland special is its unique hydrology that creates an alkaline environment. Rainwater percolates through the soil and rocks on the fen’s upland until it reaches the subsurface clay layer. Calcium and magnesium are leached into the water, which rises back up to the surface and deposits minerals in the fen’s lowland. The soil and water is neutralized and loses the acidic characteristic of a wetland. This unique environment supports a diverse array of flora and fauna that thrive in these specific conditions. If you want to distinguish the prairie fen wetland from other wetlands, look for its characteristic plant that thrives there, shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa).
Several animal species of special concern in Michigan have been observed on these properties, such as the Blanding’s turtle and wood turtle. The Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, a federally threatened species, has been observed in lowland areas near the river. The prairie fen wetland provides habitat for the globally, critically endangered Poweshiek Skipperling butterfly.
Blue Heron protects 3 additional properties further downstream the Shiawassee River. These acquisitions are paving the way for the protection of the entire river corridor. Blue Heron targets the conservation of vegetated areas along the river bank (riparian zones) because these areas help control nonpoint source pollution by holding and using nutrients and reducing sediment. They also provide habitat for aquatic wildlife, provide shade that cools the water, and prevent erosion. In 2023, Blue Heron partnered with the Headwaters Trails group of Holly to build a public canoe/kayak launch site on the river, providing a recreational aspect to these properties in addition to the conservation and stewardship efforts. Furthermore, volunteers advanced public education by installing interpretive signage on public points of the riverbank.
While being a relatively secluded river in Southeast Michigan, there are stakeholders who give their time and money to Blue Heron specifically for projects and property acquisitions involving the Shiawassee River. Blue Heron’s work would not be possible without the support of people who value the ecological health of the Shiawassee River, and who are dedicated to investing in the perpetual preservation of its connecting ecosystems.
Dedicated Supporters
Supporters and donors like you are the heart of Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy’s efforts to protect the Shiawassee River Watershed. Your contributions help us preserve rare ecosystems like prairie fen wetlands, protect vital riparian zones, and safeguard endangered species, such as the Poweshiek Skipperling butterfly. As we approach Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, please consider joining us in *Give for Green.* Every donation is matched up to $10,000 and fuels our mission to conserve these critical natural spaces and ensure clean water and healthy habitats for wildlife and future generations. 💚 #giveforgreen #natureworthpreserving
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