Carl T. Johnson Preserve
Acquired in 2018
Overview
Spanning 39 acres of pristine wildlife habitat near the intersection of Benson and 33 Roads, and closest to the renowned Mitchell Swamp, known as one of the state’s premier bear breeding areas. Originally entrusted to the Rotary Club of Cadillac by the esteemed local conservationist Carl T. Johnson, this precious land has now been graciously passed to CALC, granting access to all. This preserve is a serene park-like space, complete with winding trails, gravel parking areas, and other visitor-friendly amenities. The parking lot for the preserve is located south of Benson Road on 33 Rd.
Carl T Johnson, 1911-2008
Carl was well known throughout Michigan. In 1942 he was sworn in as the youngest mayor of Cadillac, an office he held until he resigned to enlist in the U.S. Cavalry. Carl T. was instrumental in founding the Michigan Bear Hunters’ Association and was the founder of the Michigan Conservation Foundation. In 1963 he was appointed to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission and served 17 years. In 1969 he was recognized as one of the 10 most outstanding citizen conservationists in America and received a special award in Washington, D.C. On May 16, 1992, a dream that Carl had for years – the Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center – was dedicated in Cadillac. To say that Carl T. enjoyed the out-of-doors would be an understatement.
