Forest Hill Nature Area

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www.GratiotConservationDistrict.org


Let children walk with nature. Let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life. Their joys inseparable unity. As taught in woods and meadows. Plains and mountains. And streams. -John Muir

Forest Hill Nature Area, located in northern Gratiot County, Michigan, is land that has been set aside for the preservation and appreciation of the natural world. The nature area has walking trails through 90 acres of gently rolling hills, open fields, wetlands, willow thickets, and woodlots. Forest Hill Nature Area is home to a variety of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, muskrats, ducks and turkeys.

Forest Hill Nature Area is an outdoor education center for the school children and community members of Mid-Michigan. It provides a place to explore the wonders of nature all year. The nature area is available to school groups, scout troops, and nature clubs for field trips.

Forest Hill Nature Area’s trained trail guides are available to assist or direct groups around the site. These trail guides are outdoor enthusiasts who love nature and enjoy teaching others.

The History of Forest Hill Nature Area:
In 1992, the Gratiot County Soil Conservation District acquired a 90 acre abandoned farm from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 1993, the District leased the property to the Gratiot-Isabella RESD to develop an outdoor education center. The RESD named the property, the Forest Hill Nature Area and in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began a major wetland restoration project. Also, over the years, some farm buildings were demolished while others were renovated. The Nature Area has evolved into an important outdoor educational resource for the school children in Gratiot and Isabella Counties as well as the citizens of Mid-Michigan. Since 1993, thousands of school children and adults have participated in field trips and nature programs at Forest Hill Nature Area.

Everyone is welcome to the Forest Hill Nature Area. It is open to the public at no charge. When visiting, please obey the following rules:
• No hunting
• No motorized vehicles beyond the parking lot
• No littering

Everyone is encouraged to visit and enjoy this unique property located between Alma and Shepherd. There is a large parking area for school buses as well as a covered observation platform for viewing the wetlands.

If you would like to arrange a group field trip to Forest Hill Nature Area, call 989-763-5810 or email fhna@edzone.net

Check out the blog from Forest Hill.

Forest Hill Nature Area information, Gratiot-Isabella RESD

The Forest Hill Nature Center which is located on Rich Rd just south of the Isabella/Gratiot County line at the corner of Adams and Rich Roads.

Check out our blog post about the Forestry Stewardship Workshop we hosted at Forest Hill Nature Area!

Check out our blog post about the Alma College Conservation Biology Class we hosted at Forest Hill Nature Area!