MAHER SANCTUARY

Gifted to the Grand Rapids Audubon Club in 1977, by Dr. James Maher, the 80 acres at Maher Sanctuary provide a safe-haven for birds and other wildlife in West Michigan.

The Maher Sanctuary contains a series of wetlands surrounded by glacial features and is viable habitat for over 137 species of birds. Maher Sanctuary is not only for birders to enjoy, as this property features over 250 species of plants, and a wide variety of other forms of wildlife.

The preserve is open every day from sun-rise to sun-set and is free for the public to access.

Please practice leave-no-trace when visiting the preserve, as this property is entirely maintained by volunteer efforts. If you have questions about the preserve, or would like to help maintain this property, please email the Maher Sanctuary committee chair, Chris Baer at maher@graud.org

The Ecology of Maher

Wetlands include a sedge meadow, a marl pond, an extensive shrub swamp and two branches of Caine Creek. In 2002, Dr. David Warners with the Biology Department of Calvin College conducted a biological assessment of the plant species found on the property of the Maher Sanctuary and recorded over 250 species. These plants form a firm foundation for supporting the life-cycles of many different bird species, and are crucial for supporting biodiversity within this region.

Resources

History

In early 1977 Grand Rapids Audubon Club President, John Ham, and Nature Conservancy President, John Will, learned that a Dr. James Maher was considering a gift of some real property to a charitable group. Several organizations were being considered among which was the Grand Rapids Audubon Club (GRAC). John Will, who also was a member of GRAC, and Dr. Alan J. Gebben, Chair of Biology at Calvin College, were following this matter closely, and President John Ham was monitoring the scene on behalf of GRAC.

Following a presentation by President Ham before the Club, a willingness to accept stewardship of this property was voted, provided of course it could be obtained. At this point President Ham began to earnestly solicit the gift and became dominant in the negotiations.

While negotiations were proceeding, GRAC now had a new president, Kenneth T. Hayes, a practicing attorney in Grand Rapids. He observed that as a voluntary unincorporated club, Grand Rapids Audubon could not legally accept title to real estate. The matter was discussed with the Board of Directors as to whether Trustees should be appointed, or if the Club should incorporate as a Michigan non-profit corporation. The decision was made by the Board of Directors to recommend incorporation.

On October 27, 1978, President Hayes began the incorporation process, followed by a ten day notice of a special meeting announced in the Caller, which was set for November 27, 1978. At that meeting the club membership voted overwhelmingly to proceed with incorporation and to retain for our corporate name “Grand Rapids Audubon Club, Inc.” Articles of Incorporation were duly signed on that day, and a ten member Board of Directors was designated. The first Board of Directors were: John Ham, Al Huisjen, John F. Will, Edith E. Jarvi, Charlotte Runnells, Dr. Kay T. Dodge, John H. Donaldson, Thomas W. Meaney, Dorothy Brant, and Kenneth T. Hayes. Kenneth T. Hayes was designated as the Resident Agent, and the registered office was fixed at his office address, 555 Old Kent Building, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503.

The Articles of Incorporation were received in Lansing, Michigan on November 29, 1978, and on December 4, 1978, the Director of the Michigan Department of Commerce issued his Certificate of Incorporation.

Sign up to Become a Maher Sanctuary Steward

Maher Sanctuary is maintained entirely by volunteers. By registering to help maintain this property, you are helping preserve vital habitat in West Michigan.

Upcoming Workdays and Events at Maher Sanctuary

There are currently no events scheduled at the Maher Sanctuary.

Interested in Helping Preserve Maher Sanctuary as a Safe Space for Birds in West Michigan?

Contact Chris Baer, Chair of the Maher Santuary Committee, for further information on how you can get involved by emailing: maher@graud.org

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Maher Sanctuary contains a series of wetlands surrounded by glacial features. Wetlands include a sedge meadow, a marl pond, an extensive shrub swamp and two branches of Caine Creek. There is a nice meadow along the south loop of the main circle trail. Because of the wetlands, much of this trail is boardwalk.

  • From the parking area on 108th, a trail leads to the main circle trail. Other features may be reached from this trail including the trail to the artesian well in the southeastern corner of the sanctuary and the bridge across Caine Creek that leaves you on your own.

  • A variety of experiences is possible! Often, more plants are seen than birds, but the plants are generally quite unusual (consider installing the iSeek app on your smartphone so you can ID plants as you go!). Some of the bird experiences are very memorable. Frogs, butterflies and other wildlife are common here, and it's always an interesting place for a hike.

    A variety of wetland and woodland birds nest here and migrants pass through. Common Yellowthroat, Chipping Sparrow and Swamp Sparrow are summer residents. Nests have been found of Yellow Warbler and Gray Catbird. Look for Ruffed Grouse in any season.

    SPECIAL SIGHTINGS:

    Yellow-breasted Chats have been found near the marl pond. Screech Owls have been found roosting in several locations. Common Snipe may be found "winnowing" over wetlands in spring. Some of the best sightings here are plants, not birds.

  • This is a wildlife sanctuary and environmental study area to be enjoyed quietly by: hiking, looking, listening, photographing and sketching. Therefore - NO - picking, collecting, loitering, smoking, alcohol or hunting. NO bikes, radios, skateboards, pets or motorized vehicles. Stay on marked trails. Wildlife needs areas of no contact with humans or their pets.

  • Wet feet are likely if you stray from the boardwalk. Even on the trail wet and muddy areas are possible. Watch for poison ivy growing along the trail and up through the boardwalk.