This important 486 feet of waterfront wetland and 42 acres of grass and timbered hillside behind it help to drain the western boundaries of our lake’s watershed. An initial 386 feet of waterfront wetland and 22 acres behind it was purchased by the Conservancy in 2017 and another 100 feet of waterfront and 20 acres of timbered hillside was added in 2019 when an adjoining parcel was saved from development.These lands could have been purchased by a developer, cleared of timber, and multiple homes built if not for our many supporters around the lake who stepped up to help save this critical piece of wetland in perpetuity for all of us.
The lower wooded grassland and treed portion of the Shawl Wetland accepts water from high on the timbered hillside above. Shawl Wetland will continue to act as the cleanser and sponge nature intended it to be to clean, filter, hold, and return water to our lake. Seventy-five percent of the purchase amount was covered by donations from several Conservancy Board members and donors as well as donations from friends of the Conservancy from neighboring Shore Acres Estates. A clean-up of debris and trails in 2018 involved over 23 Volunteers from Shore Acres Estates.
This wetland named after the original President of the Loon Lake Land Conservancy and his wife Jan, both of whom provided extraordinary leadership and commitment to protecting and preserving the health of Loon Lake. The Shawl Wetland is a great place for a shady stroll near the water and a chance to view herons, ducks of all types, and the deer who regularly wander through this wetland. There is a kiosk and main entrance just off South Loon Lake Road to the west.
