St. John's Wet Prairie

Recognition: The Nature Conservancy Natural Areas Registry

Size: 87 acres

Location: Approximately 15 miles south of St. Clair in southeast Michigan

Management: St. Clair Flats Wildlife Area

Activities: Canoeing, fishing (non-motorized), hunting, nature study, photography, birdwatching

Importance: Lakeplain prairie is a globally imperiled ecosystem. Historically, 158,000 acres of lakeplain prairie existed in Michigan in the early 1800s with over 80 percent occurring in Monroe, Wayne, and St. Clair counties. Today, only 745 acres or 0.6 percent of the historical prairie remain. St. John's Wet Prairie Natural Area is part of a highly significant cluster of lakeplain prairies within the St. Clair River delta. Lakeplain prairies are relatively flat, occurring on sand ridges overlaying clay. High water tables fluctuate seasonally and, over the years, with the rise and fall of the Great Lakes. Fires were also important for maintaining lakeplain prairies. Close to 160 different kinds of plants, including many showy prairie wildflowers such as blazing star and tall sun flower and grasses such as big blue stem and Indian grass, grow in St. John's Wet Prairie Natural Area. The DNR Wildlife Division manages the Natural Area and the adjacent 3,000 acre St. John's Marsh with prescribed fire.