Established in 2006, the 25 acre Forrest and Berniece Williams – George M. Blackburn Preserve is located on and across the Chippewa River from South Leaton Road, 1 mile north of M-20, adjacent to the Links subdivision, in an area of rapid development in Chippewa Township, Isabella County. The Soaring Eagle Casino is 1½ miles south. The Pohlcat Golf Course borders the preserve on the northwest. The Riverside subdivision is directly across the river on the south.
A high bank overlooks the Chippewa River and drops into forested floodplain.
The wooded preserve protects 2/3 mile of scenic viewscapes along the river and provides habitat for a wide variety of resident and migrant birds and plant and animal species. A high bank overlooks the Chippewa River and drops into two sections of floodplain forest. Access to this preserve is currently limited. The larger of the two parts of the preserve may be accessed from Bentgrass within the Links development. The Murphy family has given permission for foot access along the western edge of their property. Park in the Bentgrass cul-de-sac and walk along the short conifer tree line just east of the street. The preserve begins at the tree line to the south. The smaller part of the preserve may be accessed from Leaton Road, but parking is limited to the narrow shoulder of the road.
