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Proud Lake Nature Study Area

Recognition: Legally Dedicated Natural Area

Size: 105 acres

Location: Approximately 10 miles southwest of Pontiac.

Management: Proud Lake Recreation Area

Activities: This natural area is very difficult to access and is a very fragile ecosystem.

Importance: Located upon a pitted outwash plain, the area's outstanding feature is a deep depression formed as a glacier receded and left behind a large ice-block. The crater was created by the great weight of the ice-block pressing down. The ice-block ultimately melted into the crater it had formed. This depression now houses a floating (quaking) bog and tamarack area. The bog area and surrounding woodland encompass one of the richest botanical spots in southeast Michigan. This area provides habitat for many showy and/or unusual plants.