Seney National Wildlife Refuge
Seney, Schoolcraft County
Family Activity | Bike Trails | Hiking Trails | Snowshoeing Trails | Cross Country Skiing (XC) | Tour
Seney National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1935 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The wild land that today is the refuge has not always appeared so wild. This is a land that was once heavily logged, burned, ditched, drained and cultivated. Despite repeated attempts, the soils and harsh conditions of this country would not provide a hospitable environment for sustained settlement and agriculture. So, nature claimed it once again. What was viewed as a loss by early 20th century entrepreneurs became a huge gain for the wildlife, natural resources and the people of Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge is located in the east-central portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, halfway between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. The 95,238 acre refuge encompasses the 25,150 acre Seney Wilderness Area, which contains the Strangmoor Bog National Natural Landmark.
The Whitefish Point Unit of the Seney National Wildlife Refuge is located nearly 80 miles away from the headquarters. This 53-acre tract is renowned for its concentrations of birds during migration. Each year thousands of raptors, passerines and waterbirds funnel through the point, stopping here to replenish energy reserves before or after venturing across Lake Superior. The area is recognized as a Globally Important Bird Area for birds migrating between the US and Canada.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Brochure
Seney National Wildlife Refuge and Michigan Satellite Refuges Map
Hiking and Biking
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Trail Map
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Northern Hardwoods Cross Country Ski Map
Canoeing and Kayaking
Seney National Wildlife Refuge River Trail Map
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Amphibian and Reptiles
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Birds
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Butterflies
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Dragonflies
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Fish
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Mammals
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Animal Checklist
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Bird Checklist
Satellite Lands
Seney NWR administers island refuges in Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron, as well as the Kirtland’s Warbler Wildlife Management Area in the northern Lower Peninsula and the Whitefish Point Unit along the shore of Lake Superior.
Whitefish Point Unit of Seney National Wildlife Refuge – Chippewa County in the Upper Peninsula
The Whitefish Point Unit is nearly 80 miles away from Seney National Wildlife Refuge and is a stop-over for birds migrating to and from Canada. The Whitefish Point region is renowned for its concentrations of birds during migration. Each year thousands of raptors, passerines (perching birds), and water birds funnel through the Point to cross Lake Superior. The unit’s primary natural features are gravel beaches, sandy beach dunes, and stunted jack pine-dominated forest.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Whitefish Point Bird Checklist
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Whitefish Point Brochure
Harbor Island Unit of Seney National Wildlife Refuge – Chippewa County in the Upper Peninsula
Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge is located just off the northwest shore of Drummond Island in Potagannissing Bay on Lake Huron. At this time there are no established trails or other infrastructure at Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge. The interior bay of Harbor Island is a popular boating destination, with a nice sandy bottom for easy anchoring. Many people enjoy exploring the interior of the island by foot or the waters surrounding the island by boat, kayak or canoe.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Harbor Island Bird Species
Huron Unit of Seney National Wildlife Refuge – Marquette County in the Upper Peninsula
The only access to Huron National Wildlife Refuge is by boat during daylight hours. Camping is prohibited. The refuge is located three miles off the south shore of Lake Superior in Marquette County. For safety purposes, always consult navigation charts for the proper location before leaving on any trip. There are public and / or private launching facilities at Big Bay, L’Anse and Skanee. Lighthouse Island, also known as Huron Island, is the only island that is open to the public.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Huron Unit Map
Michigan Islands Unit of Seney National Wildlife Refuge – Alpena, Arenac and Charlevoix Counties in the Lower Peninsula
Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of eight islands in Lakes Michigan and Huron. Gull, Pismire, Hat and Shoe, are part of the Beaver Archipelago in Lake Michigan and are managed by Seney NWR. Sugar, and Scarecrow Islands located in Thunder Bay near Alpena, Michigan and Big and Little Charity Islands are located in Saginaw Bay are managed by Shiawassee NWR.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Michigan Islands Unit Map
Kirtlands Warbler Unit of Seney National Wildlife Refuge – Clare, Crawford, Kalkaska, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Presque Isle and Roscommon Counties in the Lower Peninsula
The Kirtland’s warbler is a small, neotropical migrant that summers in Michigan, and to a limited extent Wisconsin and Ontario, and winters in the Bahamas. By the mid-twentieth century, the bird was in trouble. Wildfire, a natural ecological process vital to producing its habitat, had been reduced in frequency and extent, severely reducing the bird’s population.