Kesling Nature Preserve

Kesling Nature Preserve Like all SWMLC's public preserves, Kesling Nature Preserve is free and open for everyone to enjoy from dawn to dusk, every day. Kesling Nature Preserve . . .

Your support makes that possible: please consider making a donation on our secure website at www.swmlc.org. superb spring bird-watching! Located along the South Branch of the Galien River with scenic views of a creek that flows at the base of a deep ravine under a canopy of giant beeches, maples, and oaks, Kesling Nature Preserve is lovely in any season! Acres: 52
Parking: gravel, very limited spa

ce. Please do not park along the roadway. If you find the parking lot full, please come back another time. Recreational Features: canoeing, fishing, fall color, hiking, scenic views, snowshoeing, spring wildflowers, wildlife watching

TRAILS
Kesling has about 1.25 miles of shady trails that begin along the banks of the Galien River, go up a gradual rise, then around a forested loop that overlooks wooded ravines. Approximate street address:
8500 block of W. Forest Lawn Rd., Three Oaks, MI 49128

GETTING THERE
From I-94, take exit 4A onto US-12 East. Go about 2.5 miles east on US-12 and turn south onto Basswood Road. Go 1.5 miles south on Basswood Road and turn west onto Forest Lawn Road. Follow Forest Lawn Road about .75 miles. The preserve is on the north side of the road, just east of the bridge over the South Branch of the Galien River. STORY
Kesling Nature Preserve was donated to Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy in 2004 by Donated by Dr. Peter Kesling & Family. Read more on our website: https://swmlc.org/project/kesling-nature-preserve/

05/05/2026
04/21/2026

Spring . . . it rains, the sun comes out, it rains, it rains some more . . . the weather laughs at the calendar . . . next thing you know, it’s 85 degrees and you’re hunting for shade!

The limited season for spring wildflowers is dependent on the perfect combo of sun and rain. Timing is always a gamble so we recommend visiting the following SWMLC public preserves as soon as you can, if you want to catch a glimpse of these fleeting beauties.

No guarantees on exactly what you'll find but we can definitely say you will feel great after spending some spring time outdoors!

These preserves usually put on a pretty good show in late April-early May:
Kesling Nature Preserve, Three Oaks
Black River Preserve, South Haven
Armintrout-Milbocker Nature Preserve, Allegan.

You will also likely find spring gems at Spirit Springs Sanctuary, Marcellus; Chipman Preserve, Galesburg; and Pilgrim Haven Natural Area, South Haven.

Visit our website for all kinds of stuff! Download our free Spring Wildflower ID guide, get info on the above-mentioned preserves, find groups you can join to learn more about native plants, link to plant ID app reviews, and a link to a list of retail locations throughout Michigan where you can buy native wildflowers for your yard. https://swmlc.org/spring-wildflowers/

Excited to see that SWMLC's Kesling Nature Preserve is on the list again this year. Happy hiking everybody!
06/26/2025

Excited to see that SWMLC's Kesling Nature Preserve is on the list again this year. Happy hiking everybody!

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Happy to see Kesling Nature Preserve included once again this year! Happy hiking, everybody!
06/20/2025

Happy to see Kesling Nature Preserve included once again this year! Happy hiking, everybody!

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Matt Hysell shared this video he recently captured of an elusive Connecticut Warbler singing his little heart out at SWM...
05/28/2025

Matt Hysell shared this video he recently captured of an elusive Connecticut Warbler singing his little heart out at SWMLC's Kesling Nature Preserve! Nice work, Matt!

Connecticut is one of the most difficult to see warblers in the eastern United States. Its song is distinctive, so let's listen to that as we watch this bir...

05/08/2025

Address

8500 Block Of W. Forest Lawn Road
Three Oaks, MI
49128

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Sunday 7:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+2693241600

Website

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