107 Pointe
Mouillee
State Game
Area 
wildlife viewing | directions and facility information
Photo: MI DNR
Pointe Mouillee (pronounced “Point Moo-yay”) is a spit of land that jets into Lake Erie near
the mouth of the Huron
River. Pointe Mouillee is one of the largest fresh water marsh
restoration projects in the world—the result of a gigantic
earth-moving/dike-building project. It consists of wetlands, diked marshes, and river bayous.
 
Heavy equipment hauls in rocks and earth to create
dikes and impoundments in Lake Erie.
The wetland dikes make excellent
hiking trails, although visitors should be aware that construction and
maintenance traffic occurs throughout the year. Site maps are available
at the area headquarters or at the map link below.
 
Even after a major construction project, it doesn’t take long
before natural vegetation grows back, providing habitat
for many kinds of wetland wildlife. Photo: MI DNR
On the first weekend after Labor Day
every year, the Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl
Festival Committee puts on their annual waterfowl festival at the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area Headquarters. All funds
generated by the festival go toward the restoration of the Pointe Mouillee Marsh.
 Wildlife
Viewing
Pointe Mouillee is one of the best places in
the state
to view shorebirds and wading birds, especially
in late summer and early fall. Two pairs of
black-necked stilts nested here in the spring of 2003
—the first ever known nesting of this beautiful
and unique species in Michigan.
Photo: David Kenyon, MI DNR
Waterfowl, shorebirds and other wetland wildlife are the primary
attraction at this site. Walk or hike along the water control dikes for a
good look at muskrats, waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, and
birds-of-prey. This area provides some of the best shorebird viewing in
the state, especially in late summer and early fall. There are many
different kinds of shorebirds, and many of them look alike. Bring along a
good field manual to help you get the most out of your trip. Call the
Audubon Rare Bird Alert (810) 477-1360 for updates on unusual sightings n
this area.
Photo: David Kenyon, MI DNR
Most of this area is open to
public hunting. Check with the Michigan Department of
Natural Resources for hunting seasons and regulations. Information is
available on game area maps.
|
