Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Mattawan Conservation Club is a privately owned, member-operated conservation and recreational area located near Mattawan in Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties, Michigan. Spanning approximately 9,000 acres, the club focuses on land preservation, habitat enhancement, and outdoor sporting activities such as hunting, fishing, and bird watching. The landscape consists of mixed hardwood forests, wetlands, prairie restoration sites, and several rivers and ponds, including parts of the Kalamazoo River watershed. Varied habitats support diverse wildlife, including whitetail deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and small game species. Established in 1948 by a dedicated group of conservationists and sportsmen, the club maintains strict stewardship practices to conserve native plant communities and enhance game populations through sustainable management. It also serves as a training ground for youth and new hunters, emphasizing safe, ethical outdoor practices. Recreational opportunities are extensive: members can hunt during regulated seasons, fish in well-managed waterways, trap fur-bearing animals, and partake in hiking and nature observation along marked routes. Many areas within the property are set aside as wildlife sanctuaries with limited human access to protect sensitive ecosystems. While the club is private and requires membership for access, it is considered an important green space promoting conservation values in the region. The club operates several facilities including shooting ranges, fishing docks, and designated camping spots. It appeals to outdoor enthusiasts looking for quality hunting grounds, diversity of species, and a quiet natural setting.
