As it turns out, we saved the best for last. On this final morning along the southeast shore of Lake Michigan, we visited Rosy Mound Natural Area, a few miles south of Grand Haven.
While the ecology of that preserve is identical to the other coastal refuges that we have visited and, in fact, its size is somewhat smaller, I was very impressed with the efforts to educate the public and to protect the fragile ecosystem. Graveled trails and sturdy, wooden stairs, decks and boardwalks limit the impact of human visitors by offering convenient access while discouraging off-trail activity. Educational plaques, spaced along the routes, introduce hikers to the natural history, flora and fauna of the refuge.
A one-mile trail (2 miles roundtrip and longer if desired) leads visitors across the forested "back dunes" and out to the open landscape of the "fore dunes" and beach. I strongly recommend a visit to Rosy Mound Natural Area but must report that numerous stairways, some quite long, will need to be negotiated.
