Air quality across the state is being affected by wildfire smoke. Before heading outdoors, get information on current conditions and alerts at Michigan.gov/MiAir, and learn about the state’s response to inform and protect the public at Michigan.gov/EGLEWildfireSmoke.
Warren Dunes Nature Study Area
Recognition: Legally Dedicated Natural Area
Size: 488 acres
Location: In Berrien County, three miles SW of Bridgman
Management: Warren Dunes State Park
Activities: Hiking, wildflower viewing, outdoor education, photography, bird watching, cross-country skiing
Importance: Includes both active, modern dunes which rise high above Lake Michigan and a complex of stabilized fossil dunes from former lake levels. The pattern of dune ridges enclosing smaller interlocking ridges, where the dunes are of very different ages, creates a complex of unusual geological features. The area, with open and wooded dunes, and large blowouts, provides habitat for many plants and animals of special concern. During April and May, wildflower viewing is best in the wooded area behind the dunes along the stream, west and adjacent to the natural area. Large white trillium and the interesting wild ginger are abundant along with several other spring wildflowers.