The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has been successful in protecting 117 acres (the former Salon property)  around Turtle Cove from development forever and on December 29, 2023 the preserve opened to the public. While access to the lake in the preserve is not possible, it does include viewing along ¾ of a mile of lake frontage on Arbutus Lake #4, a shallow, lily pad filled cove teaming with aquatic and wild life, near the State Forest Campground. One of the highest ranking parcels marked for preservation by the Conservancy, this preserve packs a major punch in terms of wildlife habitat. The shallow water of Turtle Cove provides habitat for scores of fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrate species. Along with emergent marsh and bog habitats, the property also contains mesic forest with areas of open field (dominated by bracken fern and little bluestem) and early-successional forest. There is also an active eagle’s nest on the property. With tremendous help from Casey and Dana Cowell, Beverly and Spencer Silk, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, and all those who gave from their hearts - big and small - the path to saving this beauty and all of its splendor for generations to come has now been completed. We hope you stop by some day and wander the 1.7 mile trail loop and take in all Turtle Cove has to offer.