Gull Prairie Preserve

08/02/2026

07/28/2026

Today marks an exciting milestone for Gull Prairie Preserve as we officially break ground on Phase 1 of the Preserve.

This first phase will begin bringing our vision to life, creating a welcoming entrance, pavilion, and accessible trail that will allow even more people to experience the beauty of the prairie while protecting its ecological integrity. (See the map on our pinned post)

Please note: During construction, the Preserve will remain open. The trail will remain accessible via the church parking lot entrance, and we appreciate your patience as we work to improve the visitor experience.

Every great project starts with a single step, and today is one of those moments.

Stay tuned as we share updates and milestones along the way!

07/28/2026

We are honored to serve as the August host site for Project Wellness Walk (PWW), a community service initiative created by Girl Scout Troop 80436 from Richland, Michigan, as part of their Silver Award project.

As Cadettes, aka middle school-aged Girl Scouts, the troop had the opportunity to complete a Silver Award—a service project designed to help address an issue within their local community. Together, they identified mental and physical health as a challenge and created Project Wellness Walk to help.

Did you know that 23.1% of adults struggle with mental health issues? About 28.5% of teenagers ages 12–18 struggle with mental health issues as well. Project Wellness Walk is centered around helping people of all ages build awareness of mental health. It reminds us that it's okay to ask for help and that even small, intentional steps can support our well-being.

Project Wellness Walk is a series of eight signs that share ideas for improving mental and physical well-being. The signs were designed during the 2025–2026 school year, and the troop's design skills were informed by a field trip to Noteworthy, a local business, where they met with design experts. The signs include elements such as poetry, easy exercises, and an empowering playlist. They are designed to be placed along outdoor trails throughout the community, encouraging visitors to slow down, reflect, and connect with nature.

We are grateful to Girl Scout Troop 80436 for bringing this meaningful project to Gull Prairie Preserve and invite you to visit the Preserve this August to experience Project Wellness Walk for yourself.

You can also explore a digital version of the signs here:
https://canva.link/0mz52qfywjls4hn

07/15/2026

A Quick Project Update

As improvements begin at Gull Prairie Preserve, we wanted to share a brief update with you!

The current project is limited to the area near our existing entrance on 32nd Street and includes:

• An entrance and parking area
• A small pavilion
• An ADA-accessible crushed stone trail

See the map below for visual reference!

You may also notice temporary construction fencing on portions of the property. This fencing is a short-term safety and construction measure and is not intended to represent a permanent change to the Preserve.

Our mission remains the same: protecting this unique natural landscape while creating opportunities for conservation, education, and responsible access to nature.

We appreciate the community's interest and support and look forward to sharing progress as the project moves forward.

05/06/2026

Something new is beginning at Gull Prairie Preserve - and we’re so excited to share it with you!

As we look ahead, we’re starting to shape a more welcoming way into the preserve. A space that invites you to slow down, arrive gently, and feel connected from the very first step.
Plans include a parking area and a covered gathering space, along with a half-mile ADA-accessible loop trail designed so that more people can experience the quiet beauty of this place.

We are building this with care for the land, and for the community that will walk it, learn from it, and find moments of peace here. We can’t wait to grow into this next chapter together.

01/22/2026

Big things are built through small, thoughtful actions - and strong partnerships.

We are inviting community members to join our Working Groups, where passion, curiosity, and commitment come together to shape what's next.

No age requirement. No prior expertise needed. If you're curious, care about nature, or simply want to contribute in a way that fits your life, there's a place for you!

Take a look at the information below, and fill out the application form to get involved!
https://forms.gle/GZ3GhQsLXC6kLkUX8

We'd love to build this together!

12/24/2025

Winter lays a quiet beauty across Michigan / branches dressed in snow, soft light on the landscape, and a peaceful stillness we don't get any other time of year. From all of us at Gull Prairie Preserve, we wish you a season filled with rest, warmth, and moments that reconnect you to nature's gentle rhythms.

12/17/2025

May your holidays be calm,bright, and filled with wonder!

Stay Warm

11/26/2025

Thank you for walking kindly

I'm growing quiet now.
The air cools, the soil rests, and life folds inward for a while.
But before the silence deepens, I want to say - Thank you!

For every act of care, for every breath shared here, for reminding me that love can look like presence 💙

11/20/2025

It takes many hearts to keep a place alive -
Those who plan, maintain, protect, and believe that open land still matters.
We're grateful for those who help make this community a good place to belong.
Your care for the spaces around us helps the whole landscape thrive.

With gratitude to:
Village of Richland
Richland Township
Richland Police Department
Richland Area Community Center
Richland Community Library
DPW (Department of Public Works)
Gull Lake Area Rotary Club

The Prairie Remembers your work as love 💙