The Huron County Nature Center was founded in 1990. The Huron County Board of Commissioners established a 280-acre nature center in Hume township on property owned by the county since 1941. This tract includes the 120-acre wilderness arboretum that has been under the care of the Huron County Women's Clubs for more than 50 years.

Environmental education for all ages has been one of Huron County Nature Center's foremost objectives since its beginning as a Wilderness Arboretum in 1941. A variety of opportunities await.

In the past few years the nature center has added handicap accessible trails, built a pavilion, added restrooms, and maintained the many walking trails which run through the wilderness.

Wilderness Arboretum

A Wilderness Arboretum is a place where plants, birds, insects, mammals, fungi -- all things living or dead -- are protected for scientific and educational purposes and for preservation of natural conditions. This tract of alternating sand ridges and shallow swales is a haven for nature lovers and environmentalists. The trails are well kept and perfect for a nature walk.

The Sights and Sounds

A walk through the nature center provides viewing of a wide variety of flowers, trees, shrubs and ferns. From the Pink Lady's Slipper, oaks and pines or the Bracken Fern, there is plenty to take in.

If bird watching is up your alley, this is the place for you. The Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Eastern Wood Pewee, Eastern Phoebe and Downy Woodpecker mark just the beginning of an impressive list of creatures you might spot.

The nature center is located in Huron County at the tip of Michigan's Thumb, 9 miles northeast of Caseville or 9 miles southwest of Port Austin just off of M-25. For more information, go to www.huronnaturecenter.org