A new trail makes Saeger Creek Preserve more accessible!
April 21, 2025 | Topics: Places
By Jessica Mysliwski
Photographs by Eddee Daniel
Saeger Creek Preserve is a 76.1-acre property that is valued both for its ecological importance and for the community it fosters. Originally, the Village of Lac La Belle approached Tall Pines Conservancy (TPC) to place a conservation easement on the property, but it was ultimately decided to sell the property to TPC in the summer of 2024. The property contains a variety of ecosystems including Saeger Creek which flows into Lac La Belle.
Restoring the ecological integrity of the property is one of the land management goals of TPC. A few ancient oak trees remain on the property, with one being upwards of 250 years old. Oaks have historically played a crucial role on the landscape of this property and the surrounding area by providing essential habitat and food for birds and insects.
Due to fire suppression and the onset of invasive species, the oaks on this property have been choked out, both by the overgrowth of native trees that are not fire-resistant and by invasive buckthorn, a non-native shrub that outcompetes the lower, sprawling branches of oak saplings. Volunteers have come out to the property to help remove buckthorn, giving these beautiful trees the space they need to flourish. Other ecological restoration projects in mind for Saeger Creek include native seeding and stream restoration.
Arguably the most anticipated project for this preserve is the creation of a publicly accessible trail. When complete, the loop trail will traverse through 1.5 miles of the property, winding through woodlands, past a majestic oak tree and around wetlands. The parking lot and trailhead will be located on Lang Road, just east of Saeger Road.
Volunteers and staff broke ground for the trail on Saturday, April 12th. Most volunteers were neighbors of the property. They expressed their excitement for the protection of this property and the development of the trail. The amount of community support for this property is truly what makes the Saeger Creek Preserve so special. In today’s world, many have lost their connection with the land and the sense of community that comes along with it; however, these community members are proving that the links between the land and each other still exist and can continue to grow.
The community surrounding this preserve is a significant reason for its protection. So many people wanted to see this property protected for the wildlife that reside there, water quality, the beauty it brings, and the opportunity it has to connect people to nature. The push from community members helped guide TPC’s approach to protecting it for today and future generations.
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Jessica Mysliwski is Stewardship Coordinator for Tall Pines Conservancy. Eddee Daniel is a board member of Preserve Our Parks. Tall Pines Conservancy is a project partner of A Wealth of Nature.