SOUTH HAVEN — Hundreds of species of plants and birds, forested areas hundreds of years old and deep ravines that capture the south branch of the Black River and several of its tributaries are just some of the attributes of a large tract of land that might be one of the most naturally unusual in the state.

And beginning next year, the public will be able to enjoy it.

Earlier this month, the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy took ownership of the 120 acres, located just west of Eighth Avenue, about three miles from South Haven.

The property, which includes wetlands, swamps and meadows, formerly was owned by Geneva Township resident Dan Garvey. It was acquired by the conservancy with the help of a $250,000 grant the nonprofit was awarded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Eventually, the tract could feature walking trails and areas where people could observe birds and wildlife and use canoes and kayaks, said Nate Fuller, conservation and stewardship director for the conservancy.

The acquisition continues one of the most productive years in the conservancy’s 20-year existence.

By year-end, more than 1,000 acres in nine Southwest Michigan counties will have been purchased or donated to the group, said Emily Wilke, the conservancy’s director of land protection.

“It’s been a really good year for us,” Wilke said. “Over 1,000 acres is a big number.”

In all, the group has acquired about 9,000 acres during the past two decades, she said.

The conservancy’s latest acquisition comes a few months after the group began soliciting ideas for what to do with 27 acres of property, located just south of South Haven. That land was a gift to the conservancy from the estate of Suzanne Upjohn DeLano Parish, who died in May 2010.

The tract includes 800 feet of Lake Michigan frontage and is estimated to be worth between $8 million and $10 million.

Nature's beauty

The 120-acre tract that will largely open to the public next year features habitats for both nesting and migratory birds and a broad diversity of plants.

“When you’re out there, it’s like you leave the world behind,” Fuller said.

Work on removing invasive plant species and installing erosion controls will take place at the property this winter, Fuller said.

More than 300 species of plants and nearly 100 species of permanent and migratory birds call the property home, he said. The conservancy has been able to identify the existence of some species of insects on the property that have not been seen in any other part of Michigan.

Fuller said the property, with birds, plants, trees and landscapes, is among the most diverse of any area in the state, which likely will draw visitors from across Michigan and the United States. The land won’t be entirely accessible to the public next year because of restoration efforts and other work.

“We want people to go out and enjoy the land, but we also want to be able to show them things as well,” Fuller said.

The group is working with Chicago-based Conservation Design Forum and the Conservation Research Institute to develop a long-term restoration and management vision for the property.

The Van Buren Conservation District, Two Rivers Coalition and the Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail Association will provide educational outreach and participate in the maintenance of the land.

“The property is top-notch,” Fuller said.