Pilgrim Haven Natural Area near South Haven is about to get a lot bigger. A $2.2 million Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant announced last week will enable the South Haven Area Recreation Authority to purchase the Porter Legacy Dunes immediately south of the current Pilgrim Haven area. Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy President Peter Ter Louw tells WSJM News it will be combined with Pilgrim Haven.
“Porter Legacy Dunes is basically going to be a big natural area where people can go for a walk and get up on top of the dunes and see the spring wildflowers and enjoy the incredibly expansive views of Lake Michigan,” Ter Louw said. “It’s just a spectacular property.”
Once the land acquisition is complete, not much will be done to develop the 48 acre Porter Legacy Dunes. Ter Louw told u what might be added.
“A bridge across the creek, a low-impact rustic trail system with markers, and then we’ll figure out a way to get from the back side of the dune up on top of the dune.”
TerLouw says the South Haven Area Recreation Authority is the recipient of the state grant, and is working together with the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy on the project. The Porter Legacy Dunes have been owned by the same family since the 1880s. The sale of the property could be complete next summer.
Photo from the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy.
