This preserve was the second project of the land conservation group now known as the Michigan Nature Association.
The uplands are home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife, as well as a prime stopover point for migrating birds such as spring warblers. Come at dusk and listen for the whip-poor-wills. From the hardwood-covered uplands to the Pine River floodplain, it's a riot of spring wildflowers, including some unusual species such as the green dragon.
About Stephen M. Polovich:
(From the Michigan Nature Association Nature Sanctuary Guidebook, 7th ed.):
"Steve Polovich and his sisters … were all acquainted with the MNA since 1967 because they were frequent nature picture subjects of their photographer father, Ralph Polovich. ...
"Steve Polovich was 1976 class president at Port Huron High School, a member of the National Honor Society, and for three years played sousaphone and bass guitar in the Honors Band. Later, he was an honor student at St. Clair County Community College and a member of the Alpha Theta fraternity for excellence in mathematics. Steve was a young man who loved nature. He was an Eagle Scout and sponsored nature study for the Campfire Girls of Port Huron. He died in 1977 at the age of 19. His memory will be with us in the photographs appearing in the Sanctuary Guidebook and with the dedication of Pine River preserve in his honor."
Tips:
You should park within a dozen feet of the first stage.
You should bring bug spray.
(If there's blood on the third stage, don't worry, it's from a crushed mosquito.)
You should bring an extra pair of dry socks.
(There is an old-time woodsman's rule that says the people most concerned about keeping their feet dry are the ones most likely to get their heads wet. It's only water.)