Leelanau Conservancy adds Phyl’s Forest preserve in Suttons Bay

From staff reports

Thanks to support from Ray and Jan Pezzi, the Leelanau Conservancy has preserved a vital wetland near the Leo Creek Preserve south of Suttons Bay, ensuring the protection of one of nature’s most precious resources. Their generosity has paved the way for Phyl’s Forest to become the newest preserve under the Leelanau Conservancy’s care, joining 29 other protected natural areas and preserves.

The preserve, which will remain wild and full of life, is 67 acres and named in honor of Phyllis Stites, the late mother of Jan Pezzi.

“Supporting the Conservancy is paramount to Ray and me because we do not wish to imagine what Leelanau would be like without it. The Conservancy preserves what we care about most: the woods, water, wetlands, wildflowers, wildlife, family farms, dunes, and meadows that adorn this county,” says Jan Pezzi.

Land protection specialist Jenee Rowe worked with the Pezzis to protect the land.

“Protecting these 67 acres of critical forested wetlands today boosts the health of the whole Leo Creek watershed, and these high-quality wetlands clean the waters we love in Suttons Bay and Grand Traverse Bay. Now and in the future, when you drive on County Road 633 north towards Suttons Bay, along Richter Road or the Leelanau Trail, you’ll see a wildlife corridor of forested wetland that will be there to shelter you and the animals that call this place home,” said Rowe. “This stretch of road is an area of many frog and turtle road crossings. Friends like Jan and Ray have noticed and stopped for the turtles’ crossing and have helped them along. It feels meaningful that this property is a short walk or bike ride on the Leelanau Trail away from Suttons Bay Public School and the Village of Suttons Bay. It’s easy to get to now, even while we do the work to get signs up and study the land before considering where a short trail can go.”

Phyl’s Forest Preserve is accessible via the Leelanau Trail. Parking is available at the Leelanau Trail Parking Lot off 4th St. in Suttons Bay, just under 2 miles from the preserve. A short section of the Leelanau Trail (0.2 miles) runs through the property’s eastern edge, offering a scenic route through the wetland forest.

This new preserve further strengthens the Leelanau Conservancy’s commitment to conserving Leelanau’s natural beauty and ecological health, providing both a sanctuary for wildlife and an opportunity for the community to connect with nature.

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