Join us for a memorable fall outing offered jointly by the
Huron Valley Group and the
Southeast Michigan Group of the
Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club. We’ll explore one of Michigan’s most scenic natural areas—
Waterloo Recreation Area—and then witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of
sandhill cranes gathering to roost at the
Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary. This event combines a refreshing afternoon hike with an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience.
Our hike will begin at the Waterloo Portage Lake Modern Campground, near the boat launch, and cover about 2.5 miles through a mix of rolling woodlands, open fields, and scenic vistas. Waterloo Recreation Area is Michigan’s largest state park, encompassing over 20,000 acres of diverse landscapes across Washtenaw and Jackson Counties.
We’ll then head to one of Michigan’s most beautiful fall traditions at Michigan Audubon's Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary. This more than 1,000-acre preserve is a mosaic of wetlands, prairie, and forest—prime habitat for hundreds of migrating sandhill cranes that converge here each autumn before heading south.
Haehnle Sanctuary is one of the best places in Michigan to witness this migration spectacle. From late September through November, thousands of sandhill cranes gather nightly at Mud Lake Marsh to roost. You’ll likely hear their haunting, trumpet-like calls echoing across the wetland well before you see them. As dusk approaches, cranes arrive in family groups and small flocks, gliding gracefully over the marsh before settling in for the night—a breathtaking experience that draws birdwatchers from across the region. Along with cranes, keep an eye out for great blue herons, ducks, geese, and songbirds that thrive in this diverse ecosystem.
Outing Itinerary
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3:30 p.m. – Hike at Waterloo Recreation Area (2.5-mile hike)
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5:00 p.m. – Drive to Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary (approx. 3-mile drive)
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5:30 p.m. – Watch cranes fly in to roost (about 1 hour)
Bring binoculars, dress for the weather, and feel free to pack a meal or snacks—we’ll find a scenic spot to relax and eat together after the hike.
Meeting Time and Location:We’ll meet at 3:15pm at the Waterloo Portage Lake Modern Campground, near the boat launch. The hike will start promptly at 3:30pm, so please don't be late.
Hike Leader:For questions, please email
sierra.club.semg@gmail.com.
Participation Details:For all our hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, food, and the season’s weather appropriate clothing. Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, which you can complete online at the link above. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event.
Cancellation Policy:The hike will proceed rain, snow, or shine. However, if an
Extreme Weather Warning is issued by the
National Weather Service, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.
Park Pass Information:When visiting a Michigan State Park, a
Recreation Passport is required. The cost per vehicle is
$14 when purchased during license plate registration renewal through the
Secretary of State. Entrance to
Metroparks requires a
$40 annual pass or a
$10 day pass. You may be able to purchase a day or annual pass at the park entrance booth.
Hikes are
free and
open to the public. However, sometimes we do activities that require a fee which would be noted in the description of the event.
Level: Moderate