Our Stories
Trail Protection at Mulligan Pines
By Clare Fastiggi, Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy
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 our collaboration with the NCTA and Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands LLC, the Saaris’ cherished property and surrounding landscape are now preserved in perpetuity.
Now called the Mulligan Pines Preserve, this 80 acres in Michigan’s central Upper Peninsula is a place where unique wetland ecology, cultural history, and shared stewardship come together along the banks of Mulligan Creek. This is the second UPLC preserve protecting land along the North Country Trail, joining the Dempsey Memorial Preserve near Ontonagon.
The Saaris’ 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 to carry out a carefully crafted acre-for-acre land exchange, adding an adjoining 40-acre parcel to the north. Brett Matuszak, Lyme Timberland’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 donation to the UPLC provided critical flexibility.
“Budding from the Saaris’ generosity, UPLC, the NCTA, and Lyme were able to deepen our partnerships with each other through this project,” said Emily Leach, UPLC Executive Director. “It took dedication from all parties; we were all centered on the Saaris’ vision, and I’m so grateful for each group’s contribution to see that this incredible conservation vision was realized.”
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 other UPLC-protected lands in the watershed.
At the heart of the property 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 – and found its permanent home along the Mulligan Creek. Today the cabin still stands proudly, commemorating the Saaris’ and Upper Peninsula’s Scandinavian heritage.
Looking ahead, UPLC is grateful to partner with the NCTA and its Marquette Area Chapter volunteers, who will steward a spur trail leading to the old-growth pine stand. Plans also include collective stewardship of the cabin as a simple overnight option for North Country Trail thru-hikers.
“This partnership represents exactly the kind of creative thinking and cooperative spirit needed to enhance and further the mission of the NCTA,” said Paul Gagnon, NCTA Director of Trail Protection. “It also supports conservation and outdoor recreation opportunities important to local communities and the people who live in, work in, and visit those places. The 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.”
“For years, we met over coffee and had many phone conversations to brainstorm possibilities for conservation,” reflected Michael Sekely, NCTA Marquette Area Chapter Trail Crew Leader. “NCTA staff visited the property as well, to help us decide if this was feasible. Fast forward five years and with assistance from many, 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. Now, others will be able to cultivate their own relationship with this place thanks to their generosity.
To learn more about the Mulligan Pines Preserve and other protected land, please visit uplandconservancy.org. A note to trail users: Though the property is immediately open to the public for non-motorized activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, and hiking, volunteer workdays are in the works to provide great opportunities to see the land. In the meantime, we ask you to respect the infrastructure and land as UPLC and the NCTA work on initial establishment needs such as signage, access route improvements, trail markers, and maintenance to set the cabin up for reservations.
