Wetlands dominate the area around Betsy, Sheephead and Clark Lakes, including one of the largest northern peatlands in the eastern Upper Peninsula. In the wetter central portions of these peatlands, the black spruce forests become open muskeg, characterized by widely scattered and stunted spruce and tamarack trees. This in turn opens up into true bog, dominated by sedges and low shrubs. These peatlands are great habitat for the moose who may occasionally be seen, as well as providing the perfect conditions for wild cranberry bogs, as well as two state-threatened plant species: small yellow water-lily and wild rye.

Other wildlife in the area include bald eagles, wolf, black bear, coyote, osprey, spruce grouse, sharptail grouse, river otter, fox, porcupine, beaver, mink, pileated woodpeckers, and a variety of waterfowl and songbirds. Due to its location near Whitefish Point, a target for birds entering or returning from Canada, the Tahquamenon area also sees large numbers of migrating birds during the spring and fall migrations. In addition, this is one of the few nesting areas for sandhill cranes in Michigan.

South Side of the River

Betsy Lake Area