Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Backus Woods Nature Reserve is one of the last remaining old-growth white pine forests in Michigan, occupying roughly 330 acres in the Upper Peninsula near the town of Marquette. This reserve is managed by the Michigan Nature Association and preserves a remarkable example of a mature northern hardwood forest, with eastern white pines often reaching heights of over 150 feet. The forest floor supports diverse understory plant life including ferns, wildflowers, and mosses, while the canopy provides habitat to a variety of bird species such as pileated woodpeckers and warblers. Established in 1962 to protect this ecologically significant tract of forest, Backus Woods offers visitors quiet walking trails that wind beneath towering pines and through mature hardwood stands. The area is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, nature study, and photography. Key landmarks include the towering pine groves and interpretive signage explaining the forest ecology and history. Visitors appreciate the solitude and the chance to experience a forest largely unchanged for over a century. The reserve's close proximity to Marquette allows for easy access while retaining a feeling of wilderness. Educational programs and volunteer events support conservation efforts and foster public appreciation for old-growth forests in the region.
