Mulligan Pines Preserve Protected

The Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy (UPLC) is thrilled to announce the permanent protection of the 80-acre Mulligan Pines Preserve, a place where unique wetland ecology, cultural history, and shared stewardship come together along the banks of Mulligan Creek. At its heart stands a restored dovetail log cabin, originally built as a sauna on a Finnish farm in the Keweenaw Peninsula.  The Saaris rescued the deteriorating structure, carefully dismantling, transporting, and reassembling it by hand, finding its permanent home along the Mulligan Creek. Today the cabin stands proudly, commemorating the Saaris’ and the Upper Peninsula’s Scandinavian heritage.

What began as Jon and Christine Saari’s vision for their land and family camp, affectionately known as “Fish Camp”, evolved into a multi-partner conservation success story. Through collaboration with the Saari family, North Country Trail Association (NCTA), and Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands LLC (Lyme), the Saari’s cherished property and the surrounding landscape are now preserved in perpetuity.

“Mulligan Pines Preserve embodies the importance of protecting land for both its connected ecosystems and the stories woven into them. The Saaris’ deep love for this place - its majestic old-growth white pines, cold waters of Mulligan Creek, the wetlands that cradle it, and their beloved historic cabin will be ingrained here forever. Now, others will be able to cultivate their own relationship with this place thanks to their generosity.” Clare Fastiggi UPLC’s Land Program Manager.

The Saari’s desire to donate and preserve the remnant old-growth and irreplaceable Finnish cabin on their 40-acre property sparked a broader conservation vision. Recognizing the importance of contiguous land protection, UPLC collaborated with partners at Lyme to carry out a carefully crafted acre-for-acre land exchange, adding the adjoining 40 acre parcel north. Brett Matuszak, Lyme’s Senior Real Estate Manager, worked closely alongside UPLC throughout this multi-year project, approaching the opportunity with a shared purpose for meaningful conservation and a dedication to finalizing the deal ensuring the protection of the broader Mulligan wetlands. UPLC’s ability to complete this exchange was made possible through the legacy of Fred Prince, whose 2015 trade land eligible donation to UPLC provided critical flexibility to make this contiguous conservation achievement possible.

“Budding from the Saaris generosity, UPLC, NCTA, and Lyme were able to deepen our partnerships with each other through this project. It took dedication from all parties, but we were all centered in the Saaris vision, and I’m so grateful for each group’s contribution to see that this incredible conservation vision was realized.” says Emily Leach, UPLC’s Executive Director.

The preserve is home to a mosaic of old-growth forests and rich conifer swamps that store carbon, filter water, and keep wildlife corridors intact. Mulligan Creek and its tributaries carry cold, clear water that provides habitat for trout and flows to the Dead River, connecting the preserve to UPLC’s other protected lands in the watershed.

Looking ahead, UPLC is grateful to partner with the North Country Trail Association and its Marquette Area Chapter, who will steward a spur trail leading to the old-growth pine stand. Plans also include collective stewardship of the historic cabin as a simple overnight option for North Country Trail through-hikers. 

"This partnership involving the Saari family, UPLC, and volunteers from the Marquette Area Chapter of the NCTA represents exactly the kind of creative thinking and cooperative spirit needed to enhance and further the mission of the NCTA and support conservation and outdoor recreation opportunities important to local communities and the people who live in, work in, and visit those places. NCTA is excited to be a part of a conservation project that will protect wildlife habitat, old growth trees, pristine watersheds, and peaceful backcountry settings, and make those resources available and accessible for the wonder and enjoyment of everyone for years to come." -Paul Gagnon, NCTA Director of Trail Protection. 

Mulligan Pines Preserve is the second UPLC preserve protecting land along the North Country Trail National Scenic Trail system, joining the Dempsey Memorial Preserve near Ontonagon. It underscores the organization’s mission to conserve and safeguard public access to the Upper Peninsula’s natural, cultural, and historic landscapes through partnership and community. 

Michael Sekely, NCTA Marquette Area Chapter Trail Crew Leader reflected on the process sharing, "For years we met over coffee and had many phone conversations to brainstorm possibilities for conservation…Fast forward five years and with assistance from many - the NCTA, UPLC, Champion Township, Lyme Timber, and others - here we are. It's a dream come true!"

The Saaris' desire to share their feeling of gratitude serves as a simple and sweet reminder that land protection often begins here – in awe of nature and in want of giving something back.

UPLC’s mission to protect Land Today for Life Tomorrow is vital to ensuring our region remains resilient in the face of climate change. The recent protection of Mulligan Pines Preserve and our growing acquisitions safeguard vital riparian areas, forestlands, and wildlife corridors, supporting a healthy ecosystem and community.

Though the preserve is immediately open to the public for non-motorized activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, and hiking, we ask you please be respectful of the infrastructure and land as the team works on initial establishment needs such as signage, access route improvements, and cabin maintenance. We plan to have volunteer days in the summer that will provide great opportunities to see the preserve. Please stay tuned to UPLC's outreach and NCTA Marquette Area Chapter for details to come!