HISTORY OF THE MODEL FOREST
In 1871, it was deeded from the U.S. government to the State of Michigan for the use and benefit of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Company. In 1888, the 40 acre parcel was transferred to L. E. Stevens Towle who, in turn, deeded it to her husband, Delos A. Towle. One year later, in 1889, some of the basswood, tamarack, and ash were sold with some hardwoods following in 1890. After the death of Mrs. Towle, Mr. Towle expressed a desire to give this land as a living memorial of his wife. This was the beginning of a dream told many times to his young friend, Theron Comden. After the death of Delos Towle in 1950, Theron became very interested in this idea and in December of 1961, he and his wife, Beautrice, purchased this 40 acres from the late Dorothy Towle for the purpose of some day carrying out the wishes of his friend, Delos Towle. In 1966, the first Montcalm woodland evaluation was held on this site. In January, 1968, the Comdens deeded the woodlot to the Montcalm Soil Conservation District. The district agreed to use it primarily as an outdoor forest laboratory. No timber is to be removed until the district consults with a public professional forester. The income from the sale of timber will be used for scholarships given to students attending schools in the Montcalm Soil Conservation District. No one can forecast the future, but each of us can look forward to what is possible and probable. The world benefits from the forethoughts of men like Towle, Comden, the Montcalm Soil Conservation District and leaders like you!
PUBLIC WELCOME
The model forest was established as an outdoor laboratory, where people can enjoy a picnic or hike any of over 2 miles of nature trails. The diverse forest includes mature stands of mixed hardwood, pine, wetland and pond and shrub grass. In the spring and the summer, wildflowers blanket the forest in all their splendor. Depending on the season, various kinds of wild animals, birds, and insects inhabit the area.
DIRECTIONS
From Greenville, take M-91 north to Kendaville Rd., then head east 4 miles and south 1 mile. Or take M-66 north from Stanton, go 4.5 miles to Coral Rd. and then west 5 miles (2 miles west of Entrican). The Comden-Towle Model Forest is adjacent to the Michigan State University Research Farm.
806 North State, Stanton, Michigan 48888
Phone (517) 831-4606 or 831-8155
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