Battle Creek Natural Area
The Battle Creek Natural Area is located at the south end of Elk Lake and includes 255 acres with approximately 2300 feet of lake frontage. The property lies 3.5 miles northeast of Williamsburg on the west side of Skegemog Point Road about one mile north of M-72. The Lossie Road Nature Trail crosses the south end of the property providing two points of public access in addition to the main entrance located on Skegemog Point Road.
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Battle Creek is one of the largest and most important tributaries to Elk Lake. The creek contributes approximately six billion gallons of clean water to Elk Lake and is especially important to water quality because of the size and quality of the wetland complex surrounding it. The wetlands are a valuable asset in the Elk Lake watershed and contributed to the naming of Battle Creek as a DNR-designated trout stream. Exceptional habitat and wildlife viewing opportunities are found throughout the Natural Area. Raptors, neo-tropical migrating songbirds, and a variety of waterfowl make use of the habitat provided by the creek and the large pond at the south end of Elk Lake. The majority of the property is designated as an important deer wintering yard. These winter yards provide critical thermal protection, food and cover for white-tailed deer during winters.
Acquisition History
Whitewater Township was approved for a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant in December, 2003 to purchase the proposed Battle Creek Natural Area. The application originally totaled 500 acres among three separate property owners. The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy assisted in negotiation with the landowners and temporarily secured the properties while financing was arranged by Whitewater Township. Agreement was reached with two of the three landowners on a total of 255.12 acres. The Township acquired the properties on March 28, 2007.
Natural Features
The Battle Creek Natural Area includes a variety of diverse habitats; and vast ecological systems. Battle Creek is a designated trout stream and one of the largest tributaries of Elk Lake. There is a footbridge spanning the creek along Lossie Road Nature Trail to provide safe crossing of the creek. Battle Creek widen into a large pond prior to flowing into Elk Lake and provides rich habitat and breeding grounds for a wide variety of wildlife including fish, waterfowl, amphibians, and reptiles. Huebner Pond and Dam is located in the southeast portion of the property on a tributary of Battle Creek and provides scenic viewing.
Other features include wetlands, a red pine plantation, upland forest and approximately on-half mile of frontage on Elk Lake. This is one of the longest undeveloped shorelines remaining on Elk Lake. The shoreline is low, forested and offers expansive views.
Map of Battle Creek Natural Area and Lossie Road Nature Trail (PDF opens in new window)
Other features include wetlands, a red pine plantation, upland forest and approximately on-half mile of frontage on Elk Lake. This is one of the longest undeveloped shorelines remaining on Elk Lake. The shoreline is low, forested and offers expansive views.
Map of Battle Creek Natural Area and Lossie Road Nature Trail (PDF opens in new window)